Trump Joins Fight For Massapequa H.S. Keeping 'Chiefs' Name, Mascot

MASSAPEQUA, NY — President Trump said on Monday he agrees with Massapequa School District who is "fighting furiously" to keep the high school's "Chiefs" mascot and logo "Chiefs.," despite a state ban.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said "forcing them to change the name, after all these years, is ridiculous and in actuality an affront to our great Indian population."

"Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported," State DOE spokesperson J.P. O'Hare said in a statement.

In March, a lawsuit by Massapequa and Wantagh school officials was dismissed as the judge said they "lack capacity" to sue the state under the Fourteenth Amendment and other statutes, Newsday reported.

"Massapequa stayed silent during the regulatory process. They did not reach out to Indigenous leaders or engage with the Department's Mascot Advisory Committee to determine whether its Native American team name and mascot would be permissible," O'Hare said. "Instead, Massapequa decided to pursue litigation challenging the State's regulations. Unsurprisingly, these cases have been dismissed."

At the time, though, Massapequa School Superintendent William Brennan said they were still exploring other legal remedies on the matter.

"We firmly believe that decisions about our schools should reflect the voices of the people who live here, not be dictated by the state," he said in a open letter on the district's website. "Despite this setback, we remain steadfast in our advocacy and will continue to explore all available options. We will be consulting with legal counsel in the coming days to determine our next steps."

Following Trump's post, the Massapequa School Board issued this statement:

"The Massapequa community has been working hard to preserve our identity and protect local decision-making. We are honored that President Trump has recognized our efforts and brought national attention to our cause. His support is a powerful affirmation of what we’re fighting for. We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support from our community and the continued backing of local leaders and NAGA (Native American Guardians Association), who have stood with us throughout this fight to preserve our community’s identity, traditions, First Amendment rights and value in honoring Native Americans."

The Chiefs nickname, Trump said on Monday, "has become the school's identity," and what could be wrong with using the name, "Chief" ?

The president added that he will ask his Secretary of Education Linda McMahon "to fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue."

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was quick to share his pleasure with Trump coming to Massapequa's defense.

"Thank you President Trump for supporting our culture, our history and our identity here in Nassau County with the Massapequa Chiefs, Wantagh Warriors and others who praise and honor our Native American history," Blakeman said.

"If members of the Massapequa board of education are genuinely interested in honoring and respecting Long Island's Native American past, they should talk to the Indigenous people who remain on Long Island," O'Hare added.