Trump Honors Champ Dodgers, Ohtani, Betts at White House/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump honored the 2024 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House on Monday, spotlighting stars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and manager Dave Roberts. The event, held during a volatile day in the markets, marked the team’s return to Washington after beating the Yankees in five games. Trump praised the players’ achievements while injecting his trademark political commentary.
Dodgers Visit Trump at White House: Quick Looks
- Dodgers honored for 2024 World Series victory over the Yankees.
- Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Clayton Kershaw among attendees.
- Trump praised Ohtani’s historic 50 HR-50 SB season.
- Mookie Betts attended despite past White House absences.
- Manager Dave Roberts received praise — and a joke — from Trump.
- Trump declined to introduce Democratic senators present.
- No mention of Dodgers legends or Jackie Robinson’s legacy.
- Ceremony comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Pentagon DEI policy cuts.
- Trump presented with Dodgers jersey, number 47.
- Trump hinted at expecting Dodgers to return in 2026.
Trump Honors Champ Dodgers, Ohtani, Betts at White House
Deep Look
Trump Celebrates Dodgers’ World Series Victory with White House Visit
President Donald Trump welcomed the 2024 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House on Monday, celebrating their dominant five-game win over the New York Yankees with a spirited ceremony on the South Lawn.
Flanked by team executives, players, and coaching staff, Trump recognized several Dodgers for their historic achievements, including two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, who became MLB’s first-ever 50 home run and 50 stolen base player in a single season.
“This team is stacked with very talented people,” Trump said, singling out Ohtani, National League Championship Series MVP Tommy Edman, and Japanese pitching sensation Yoshi Yamamoto.
Betts Attends Despite Political Backdrop
Also honored was veteran outfielder Mookie Betts, who shook hands with Trump during the event. The 32-year-old Betts, who previously declined to visit the White House after the Boston Red Sox’s 2018 title, chose to attend this time, noting the importance of celebrating with his teammates.
“Nobody else in this clubhouse has to go through a decision like this except me,” Betts said over the weekend. “This is just about being with my team and enjoying a special moment.”
Betts is the only Black player returning from the Dodgers’ World Series roster, a factor that has brought added complexity to the visit amid recent debates about diversity and representation in the federal government and military.
Subtle Political Undercurrents
Trump used the occasion to take a jab at some Democratic lawmakers in attendance, saying, “I just don’t particularly like them, so I won’t introduce them.” While the event celebrated athletic excellence, it also reflected the broader tone of Trump’s administration, which has sought to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies.
The ceremony came just weeks after a Defense Department page honoring Jackie Robinson’s military service was quietly reinstated following criticism of the Pentagon’s removal of content highlighting minority contributions — a move aligned with Trump’s campaign to eliminate DEI initiatives. No mention of Robinson or past Dodgers legends was made during the event.
Kershaw and Dodgers Ownership Represent the Team
Veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw and Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter also spoke at the ceremony. Kershaw presented Trump with a Dodgers jersey featuring the number 47 — a nod to Trump’s aspirations to become the 47th president.
Trump, impressed by the Dodgers’ hot 9-2 start to the 2025 season, predicted they’d return to Washington next year. “After seeing how successful you’ve begun the season, I hope you’ll be back here next year,” he said.
Context and Future Visits
This marks the second major sports team honored at the White House under Trump’s second term. The NHL’s Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers visited in February. The Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles have accepted an invitation for April 28.
Manager Dave Roberts, who was also present at the Red Sox’s White House visit during the Obama administration, called the Dodgers’ latest invitation a special moment for the team. “It’s a unique honor — one you hope every team gets to experience,” he said.
While Roberts noted the team didn’t formally discuss whether to attend, the decision was personal for each player. The event remained celebratory despite the broader political dynamics — from DEI debates to Trump’s continued clashes with Congress.
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