The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their 2025 World Series win, were welcomed to the White House by US President Donald Trump on Thursday, marking their second championship visit in as many years. The ceremony, held in the Rose Garden, featured the presentation of a custom team jersey and a replica World Series championship ring to President Trump. In his address, the president commended the Dodgers for their impressive season and expressed optimism for their future success.
Among the attendees were key figures such as Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and manager Dave Roberts. However, some players, including Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández, opted not to attend. Trump highlighted the achievements of several players, mistakenly referring to retired veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw as still active. Accepting the championship ring with humor, Trump quipped about whether he needed to report the gift before tucking it into his pocket.
The White House visit sparked varied reactions among Dodgers fans, particularly in light of recent immigration enforcement operations and protests in Los Angeles associated with Trump’s administration policies. Betts chose to spend the day with family, while Hernández, who has criticized immigration raids, cited a rehabilitation commitment and stated he would not have attended regardless.
Manager Dave Roberts defended the team’s choice to participate, emphasizing that the visit was a celebration of a longstanding sports tradition rather than a political statement. Despite the mixed reactions, the event underscored the tradition of championship teams visiting the White House, an American custom that has seen varying levels of participation influenced by players’ personal and political beliefs.
