Donald Trump hosted the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House on Thursday, marking the team's second visit in two years. The ceremony in the Rose Garden featured a custom jersey and championship ring presentation, with stars like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in attendance, while notable absences included Mookie Betts and Kike Hernández.
White House Ceremony Highlights
Trump praised the Dodgers as "special winners" and predicted they could return again soon. He compared Shohei Ohtani to Babe Ruth, praised Clayton Kershaw (despite Kershaw retiring after the 2024 World Series), and shared a lengthy tangent about former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. Manager Dave Roberts also spoke with Trump before the event.
Get the #1 Wireless Door Camera
REOLINK Bestseller: 2K Weatherproof Video Doorbell, No Monthly Fees.
Player Attendance vs. Absence
| Player | Attended | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | Yes | Four-time MVP |
| Freddie Freeman | Yes | Star first baseman |
| Yoshinobu Yamamoto | Yes | World Series MVP |
| Dave Roberts | Yes | Manager |
| Mookie Betts | No | Star shortstop |
| Kike Hernández | No | Utility man |
The absence of Betts and Hernández sparked speculation, especially given recent ICE raids and protest crackdowns in Los Angeles under the Trump administration. Betts had also skipped the Red Sox's White House visit during Trump's first term.
Political and Social Context
The Dodgers' visit left many fans with conflicted feelings, as the team represents a diverse city with a large immigrant population. Trump's remarks included off-topic comments about Iran and the Rose Garden renovation, blending sports and politics in a way that divided public opinion.
Key Takeaways
- Trump hosted the Dodgers at the White House for the second time in two years.
- Ohtani, Freeman, and Yamamoto attended; Betts and Hernández skipped.
- Trump compared Ohtani to Babe Ruth and praised Kershaw despite his retirement.
- The ceremony highlighted tensions between the team and Trump administration policies.
- Fans expressed mixed reactions on social media.
FAQ
Why did some Dodgers players skip the White House visit?
Why did some Dodgers players skip the White House visit?
Players like Mookie Betts and Kike Hernández opted not to attend, likely due to political disagreements with the Trump administration and recent ICE raids in Los Angeles. Betts had similarly skipped a White House visit during Trump's first term.
What did President Trump say about the Dodgers?
What did President Trump say about the Dodgers?
Trump called the team "special winners," compared Shohei Ohtani to Babe Ruth, praised Clayton Kershaw, and joked about reporting the championship ring as a gift. He also spoke about renovating the Rose Garden.
Was this the Dodgers' first White House visit?
Was this the Dodgers' first White House visit?
No, the Dodgers visited the White House last year as well. This was their second trip in two years after winning the 2024 World Series.
How did fans react to the Dodgers' White House visit?
How did fans react to the Dodgers' White House visit?
Reactions were mixed. Some celebrated the team's achievements, while others were critical of the political implications, especially given the administration's immigration policies and the diverse nature of Los Angeles.
Home Decor Shop
Acacia frida deluxe solid wood bed frame |
Bedroom bench |
Bed chest drawers |
Lingerie dresser |
Frame base |
Mirror with jewelry storage |
30 Bathroom Vanity |
Memory foam queen mattress |
Mattresses for back pain |
Nightstand set of 2 |
Grand Goldman Shop |
Civil Lawyer
Deutschland Trikot WM 2026
