The Los Angeles Dodgers, the 2025 World Series champions, were celebrated at the White House on Thursday in a ceremony hosted by US President Donald Trump. This marks the second time in two years that the team has visited the White House following a championship victory. During the event held in the Rose Garden, the Dodgers gifted President Trump with a personalized team jersey and a replica of their World Series championship ring. Trump lauded the team’s accomplishment and expressed optimism about their potential to clinch future titles.
Prominent figures from the Dodgers, including stars like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and manager Dave Roberts, were present for the festivities. However, not all team members attended. Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández were among those absent; Betts opted to spend time with his family, while Hernández, who has been vocal about his opposition to immigration raids in Los Angeles, had a rehabilitation commitment but mentioned he would have skipped the event regardless of his schedule.
During his speech, Trump acknowledged the team’s success and shared anecdotes about baseball icons such as Babe Ruth and former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. He also commended veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, though he mistakenly referred to Kershaw as still active, despite his retirement following last season’s World Series. In a moment of levity, Trump slipped the championship ring into his jacket pocket, quipping, “Do I have to report this? I don’t want to report this.”
The visit drew varied responses from Dodgers fans, particularly against the backdrop of recent immigration enforcement actions and protests in Los Angeles prompted by Trump administration policies. Manager Dave Roberts addressed the decision to accept the White House invitation, emphasizing that the visit was more about honoring a longstanding sports tradition than engaging in political discourse.
For years, White House visits have been a customary honor for teams that win national championships. However, participation has sometimes been influenced by individual players’ personal beliefs and political stances. This tradition, while celebrated by many, continues to reflect the diverse views held by athletes and their broader communities.