Trump Honors Dodgers at White House, Snubs Democratic Senators

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump welcomed the Los Angeles Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, to the White House on April 7, 2025, to celebrate their World Series victory over the New York Yankees. Trump praised the team’s accomplishments while also declining to introduce certain Democratic senators at the event.

The ceremony coincided with a tumultuous day for U.S. stocks, but Trump took time to acknowledge the Dodgers’ achievements. He specifically highlighted Ohtani’s rise as a standout pitcher and noted how the Dodgers acquired him from the Boston Red Sox, saying, “They did a great job trading him.” Ohtani, along with other team members, shook hands with Trump during the event.

Betts, who previously won a title with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, emphasized the significance of attending the ceremony despite political implications. “Nobody else in this clubhouse has to go through a decision like this except me,” Betts said. “That’s what makes it tough. I just want to be there with them.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts referred to the invitation as a tremendous honor for the team. He clarified that attendance at the White House was not a formal discussion among players but a collective celebration of their shared success.

The event shortly followed a statement from the Department of Defense that reinstated a webpage honoring Jackie Robinson, a Brooklyn Dodgers great and civil rights activist, after it had previously been removed. This action was part of an effort to address concerns over diversity and inclusion in its online content.

Trump briefly mentioned George Steinbrenner, the late owner of the New York Yankees and a friend, before joking about the pressure a manager faces under Steinbrenner’s leadership. “You lose two games and you’re fired,” Trump quipped, eliciting laughter from those in attendance.

Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter and pitcher Clayton Kershaw also spoke at the ceremony, with Kershaw presenting Trump with a personalized Dodgers jersey. Reflecting on their strong start to the season, Trump expressed hopes the Dodgers would return for a repeat celebration. “Based on how successful you’ve begun the season, I hope you’re back here next year,” he said.

The Dodgers entered Monday’s game against the Washington Nationals with a record of 9-2, leading to speculation about their chances of defending their title. The ceremony follows an earlier event honoring the NHL’s Florida Panthers and an upcoming visit from the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles for their Super Bowl win.