President Donald Trump encouraged Atlanta Braves fans to continue performing the team’s Tomahawk Chop during an appearance Wednesday in Cobb County, rejecting years of criticism that the longstanding baseball tradition is culturally insensitive.
Trump made the remarks at Wheeler High School, where he was promoting his administration’s education and economic agenda, including the recently introduced Trump Accounts program.
During the event, Trump invited former Braves manager Brian Snitker and Braves Development Company President and CEO Mike Plant to join him on stage, explained Fox News. Snitker, who led Atlanta to a World Series championship in 2021, now serves in an advisory role with the organization.
The crowd soon began performing the familiar chant and arm motion associated with the Braves, prompting Trump to encourage the audience.
“Ohhh listen… they say you are not allowed to do that.. do it!” Trump said.
The Tomahawk Chop has been a fixture at Braves games for decades, but it has also become the subject of recurring criticism from activists and some Native American groups who argue that the chant and gesture rely on offensive stereotypes.
🚨WATCH: President Trump does the "tomahawk chop" during his Georgia rally after welcoming former Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker and executive Mike Plant to the stage. pic.twitter.com/8hE96Lwfaz
— Off The Press (@OffThePress1) July 22, 2026
The Braves have not formally prohibited the tradition, although the organization has periodically reduced its use at games and reconsidered how it is presented at Truist Park. Fans continue to perform the chop during key moments, often accompanied by the team’s distinctive stadium music.
Trump has publicly participated in the tradition before. He and former first lady Melania Trump were photographed performing the chop while attending Game 4 of the 2021 World Series between the Braves and Houston Astros in Atlanta. At the event in Georgia, however, there was little sign of hesitation from the crowd. Braves supporters responded to Trump’s encouragement by continuing the chant, underscoring the tradition’s enduring popularity despite the political and cultural whining surrounding it.
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