In a ceremony held at the White House on Thursday, President Donald Trump celebrated the Los Angeles Dodgers for their 2025 World Series victory, marking the team’s second visit in as many years. The Dodgers, who clinched the championship title, presented Trump with a personalized team jersey and a replica World Series ring during the event in the Rose Garden. President Trump commended the team for their outstanding season and expressed optimism about their future chances of winning more titles.
The event saw attendance from several of the Dodgers’ prominent stars, including Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and manager Dave Roberts. However, some key players, such as Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández, opted out of the visit. In his address, Trump extended his congratulations to the team, acknowledging various players, and reminisced about baseball legends like Babe Ruth and the late George Steinbrenner, former owner of the New York Yankees. The president made a humorous gaffe, referring to the recently retired veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw as still active.
Accepting the championship ring, Trump quipped about its potential disclosure requirements, jokingly asking, “Do I have to report this? I don’t want to report this,” before tucking it into his jacket pocket. The White House visit sparked mixed reactions among Dodgers fans, particularly in light of recent immigration enforcement actions and protests in Los Angeles related to the Trump administration’s policies. Mookie Betts chose to spend the day with his family, while Kiké Hernández, who has been vocal about his opposition to immigration raids, cited a rehabilitation commitment as his reason for not attending, stating he would have abstained regardless.
Manager Dave Roberts defended the team’s decision to attend, emphasizing that the visit was meant to honor a long-standing sports tradition rather than delve into political discourse. He highlighted the importance of maintaining such traditions, despite the varied personal views and political differences that sometimes influence players’ decisions to participate in these events.
Visits to the White House by championship-winning teams have long been a part of American tradition. However, participation in these events has sometimes fluctuated based on individual players’ personal beliefs and political stances, reflecting broader societal debates. The Dodgers’ visit underscored these ongoing dynamics, as the sports world continues to navigate the intersection of athletic achievement and political expression.