The Los Angeles Dodgers visited the White House to celebrate their 2025 World Series Championship following an invitation from President Trump. ‘This is really a special team. It’s special winners. They’re champions, and just unbelievable,’ Trump said during the event, highlighting the team’s success while occasionally mixing up some player roles.
During the ceremony, Dodgers chairman Mark Walter presented President Trump with a personalized World Series ring and a Dodgers jersey. Walter emphasized the significance of achieving back-to-back championships, stating, ‘Winning back-to-back championships is an extraordinary accomplishment, and it reflects the talent, determination, and character of everyone in the organization.’
The event took place in the Rose Garden, with team manager Dave Roberts giving a speech. ‘We did something that hasn’t been done in over 30 years, going back-to-back World Series champions, and we are going for a three-peat,’ Roberts remarked. He added, ‘We’re in the middle of this season right now, the grind. So thank you. The only thing I’ll have to say is, I hope when you watch our guys play, you can be proud and say these guys do things the right way.’
President Trump expressed his belief in Miguel Rojas during the World Series, predicting a home run in Game 7 due to Rojas being ‘a winner.’ Trump also took the opportunity to shake Rojas’ hand. This marked the second consecutive year the Dodgers visited the White House. Scheduling conflicts initially prevented a visit during their April games against the Nationals, resulting in this visit during an East Coast trip.
The decision to visit the White House generated mixed reactions among Dodgers fans, given Trump’s known anti-immigration stance, affecting many supporters. Despite this, manager Dave Roberts sought to minimize political implications associated with the visit. Not attending the ceremony were Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández. Betts chose family time, while Hernández had a rehab assignment but expressed he would not have attended regardless. Hernández had previously supported those affected by ICE raids, while Betts wished for his absence not to be seen politically.
Pitcher Edgardo Henriquez also did not attend with no reason provided. The Dodgers have actively supported local communities, donating over $1 million to assist those impacted by ICE raids. Roberts maintained a focus on sports, emphasizing traditional visits and championship aspirations, saying, ‘I hope that we get this invitation every year. Because that’s the goal: to win a championship, to get this invitation to the White House.’
The visit took place amid Bloomberg reporting that two insurance companies linked to Walter, along with Guggenheim Partners where he is CEO, are under federal investigation. Although no charges have been filed, representatives from involved companies have confirmed cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
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