In a celebratory event at the White House on Thursday, US President Donald Trump greeted the Los Angeles Dodgers, the champions of the 2025 World Series, marking their second visit in as many years. The ceremony took place in the Rose Garden, where the team gifted Trump a personalized Dodgers jersey and a replica of their World Series championship ring. President Trump lauded the Dodgers for their triumphant season and expressed optimism about their potential to clinch another championship in the future.
The event was attended by several of the team’s key players, including stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and manager Dave Roberts. However, the absence of some prominent players, like Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández, was notable. During his speech, Trump extended his congratulations to the team, recounting tales of baseball icons like Babe Ruth and former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. He also acknowledged veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, mistakenly referring to him as an active player despite Kershaw’s retirement following last season’s World Series.
As Trump accepted the championship ring, he playfully remarked, “Do I have to report this? I don’t want to report this,” before slipping it into his jacket pocket. While the visit was a moment of pride for the team, it sparked mixed reactions among Dodgers fans. The backdrop of recent immigration enforcement actions and protests in Los Angeles, linked to the Trump administration’s policies, contributed to the divided opinions.
Mookie Betts, explaining his absence, mentioned that he spent the day with his family. Meanwhile, Kiké Hernández cited a rehabilitation commitment as his reason for not attending, adding that he would have declined the invitation regardless, due to his public criticisms of immigration raids in Los Angeles. Manager Dave Roberts, however, defended the team’s decision to participate, emphasizing that the visit was meant to honor a long-held sports tradition and was not intended as a political statement.
Visits to the White House by championship-winning teams have long been a tradition in American sports culture, though participation levels have sometimes fluctuated based on players’ personal beliefs and political stances. Despite the controversies, the Dodgers’ visit underscored this enduring tradition, celebrating their achievements on the national stage.