Redskins owner attends exclusive Trump inaugural celebration
Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder was among the guests at an exclusive reception in the nation’s capital Tuesday night to celebrate President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.
The controversial owner was spotted by reporters at the black-tie event, billed as the “Chairman’s Global Dinner,” at the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in downtown Washington.
The event, which 500 guests were expected to attend, is intended to introduce foreign dignitaries to Trump’s Cabinet picks and lawmakers.
{mosads}Other notable people in attendance include casino magnate Steve Wynn, actor Jon Voight, Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, incoming national security adviser Michael Flynn and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Snyder is a longtime Republican donor but did not contribute to Trump’s presidential campaign. Instead, he gave $100,000 to the Right to Rise super-PAC, which backed Trump primary rival Jeb Bush.
His wife, Tanya, did give to Trump. She donated $534.86 in September 2015 to the business mogul’s campaign, according to Federal Election Commission records.
Snyder has become a lightning rod for criticism in the Washington area and nationwide over his stewardship of the city’s beloved football team.
The Redskins have amassed a 125-162 record under Snyder’s watch. The team won three Super Bowl titles under the team’s previous owner, Jack Kent Cooke.
The team has also become embroiled in controversy over its name, which many Native American groups say is offensive.
Snyder has refused to change the name, pointing to other Native American groups who support it.
“We’ll never change the name,” Snyder told USA Today in 2013. “It’s that simple. NEVER — you can use caps.”
Trump has stood by Snyder in the name debate.
“I know Indians that are extremely proud of that name,” Trump said in October 2015, weeks after Tanya Snyder made the contribution.
“Honestly, I don’t think they should change the name, unless the owner wanted to.”