The Los Angeles Dodgers visited the White House on Thursday to celebrate their 2025 World Series championship. President Trump hosted the event, praising the team’s achievements. He described the players as special winners and hinted at the possibility of welcoming them again.
During the ceremony, Dodgers chairman Mark Walter presented Trump with a personalized World Series ring and a Dodgers jersey. He highlighted the dedication and skill required to win back-to-back championships. Walter expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments and hoped for another visit in the future.
The Rose Garden served as the venue for the celebration. Team manager Dave Roberts delivered a speech emphasizing the rarity of consecutive World Series wins and expressed determination for a potential third consecutive title. He conveyed hope that the President and the nation applaud the team’s efforts and ideals.
In a lighthearted moment, Trump predicted that Miguel Rojas would hit a home run in a World Series Game 7, referring to him as a winner, and personally congratulated him. The visit marked the team’s second consecutive White House invitation; however, scheduling issues previously delayed their visit.
Logistical challenges arose as the Dodgers coordinated the White House visit during an East Coast trip, managing a tight schedule between games against the Phillies and Mets. The visit sparked debate due to Trump’s immigration policies, affecting some team supporters. Manager Dave Roberts minimized the political aspects of the visit, focused on the team’s traditions and accomplishments.
Several key players, including Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández, did not attend the event. Betts chose to spend time with his family, while Hernández was occupied with a rehab assignment. He clarified that he would not have participated regardless, due to his stance on immigration-related issues. Details on pitcher Edgardo Henriquez’s absence were also missing.
In response to immigration concerns, the Dodgers contributed over $1 million to local organizations aiding those impacted by ICE raids, demonstrating community support. Roberts emphasized the team’s longstanding tradition of celebrating their achievements at the White House and clarified his role as a coach, not a politician.
The visit coincided with reports by Bloomberg regarding federal investigations into financial affairs linked to companies controlled by Walter and Guggenheim Partners. Though no charges were filed, representatives from these firms assured their cooperation with the investigation.