Massapequa High School, located in Nassau County, New York, is at the center of a growing controversy as the state moves to enforce a law requiring public schools to eliminate Native American-themed mascots, names, and logos.
As Fox News reported, the school’s nickname, the “Chiefs,” has become the subject of a legal battle, public backlash, and now national attention—thanks to President Donald Trump.
The school district filed a lawsuit against New York state in September, challenging the law and arguing that it violates the First Amendment by banning staff and officials from wearing “Chiefs” apparel at school functions or on campus.
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A federal judge recently ruled against the district, putting additional pressure on the community to comply with the mandate by the end of the year.
The issue gained new momentum after President Trump addressed the controversy on his Truth Social platform.
“I agree with the people in Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting furiously to keep the Massapequa Chiefs logo on their Teams and School,” Trump wrote. “Forcing them to change the name, after all of these years, is ridiculous and, in actuality, an affront to our great Indian population.”
Trump continued:
“The School Board, and virtually everyone in the area, are demanding the name be kept. It has become the School’s identity and, what could be wrong with using the name, ‘Chief’? I don’t see the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon!”
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He also directed his Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to get involved, stating, “By copy of this TRUTH, I am asking my highly capable Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue. LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!”
School Board President Kerry Wachter said in a recent interview with the New York Post, “Changing the name doesn’t have any good effect on our kids. This is their identity, this is who they are — they are Chiefs.”
She also confirmed that the district has reached out to the Department of Education for support.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman criticized Governor Kathy Hochul’s enforcement of the policy during a recent appearance on Fox & Friends.
“She must have bad thoughts in her head — when I think of a chief, I think of a leader. When I think of a warrior, I think of somebody with bravery… We honor and celebrate our Native American heritage here on Long Island.”
District officials estimate that complying with the name change would cost the community about $1 million. They also argue that it would erase a long-standing part of the school’s identity.
Notably, the Massapequa Little League team won the Little League Softball World Series in 2022, playing under the “Chiefs” name.
TRUMP: “What could be wrong with using the name, “Chief”?
LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS! pic.twitter.com/T4SAeOKIWM— jay plemons (@jayplemons) April 21, 2025
While other organizations like the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians have rebranded after pressure to change names tied to Native American themes, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida State Seminoles have resisted similar efforts.
The Massapequa community is now fighting to follow that path—with the support of the 45th President of the United States.
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