In an event held in the Rose Garden, President Donald Trump welcomed the Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House, celebrating their victory as the 2025 World Series champions. This marked the second time in two years that the Dodgers have been honored for their championship win. During the ceremony, the team gifted Trump with a custom jersey and a replica of their World Series championship ring. The president lauded the Dodgers for their impressive season and expressed optimism about their potential to clinch another championship.
Key figures from the team, including stars like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and manager Dave Roberts, were in attendance. Notably missing were Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández. Betts opted to spend time with his family, while Hernández, who has voiced criticism of immigration raids in Los Angeles, was occupied with a rehabilitation commitment. He mentioned that even if he were available, he would have declined the invitation due to his stance on the Trump administration’s policies.
During his address, Trump extended his congratulations to the Dodgers, singling out certain players and recounting anecdotes about baseball icons such as Babe Ruth and former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. He mistakenly referred to Clayton Kershaw as an active player, despite Kershaw having retired following the previous season’s World Series. The president, upon receiving the championship ring, humorously commented on whether he needed to report it, before tucking it into his jacket pocket.
The event sparked varied reactions among Dodgers fans, particularly in light of recent immigration enforcement actions and protests in Los Angeles related to the Trump administration’s policies. Manager Dave Roberts defended the team’s participation, emphasizing that the visit was in keeping with a longstanding tradition of honoring sports achievements, rather than making a political statement.
Visits to the White House have long been a tradition for championship-winning teams in the United States, though the decision to attend often reflects a range of personal views and political sentiments among players. Despite differing opinions, the occasion served to recognize the Dodgers’ remarkable accomplishment in the 2025 season.