President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind a Long Island school district’s efforts to keep its “Chiefs” mascot, despite a New York ban on Indigenous team names. According to NY1, Trump said on social media that forcing a change after decades was insulting to Native Americans and pledged to have Education Secretary Linda McMahon advocate for the district—though no federal actions were detailed.
The controversy stems from a 2022 state education directive requiring schools to stop using Native American imagery unless approved by a recognized tribe. A federal judge recently ruled in favor of the state in a challenge by several districts, including Massapequa. Schools face loss of funding if they don’t comply.
Massapequa officials argue their logo honors Native heritage, but critics say the district never consulted Indigenous leaders. The logo features a profile of a Native American man in a headdress, which the state calls harmful and outdated.
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