Trump Calls Dodgers “One of the Great Brands” During Rose Garden Event/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ President Donald Trump welcomed Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and the Los Angeles Dodgers to celebrate their second consecutive World Series championship. Trump praised the Dodgers as a global sports brand, compared Ohtani with Babe Ruth and suggested the team could return after winning a third straight title. The Dodgers presented Trump with a No. 47 jersey and what appeared to be a replica World Series ring.
Quick Look
- Trump hosted the Dodgers in the White House Rose Garden.
- The event celebrated the team’s second consecutive World Series championship.
- Trump called the Dodgers “one of the great brands anywhere in the world.”
- Los Angeles defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7.
- Trump compared Shohei Ohtani with Babe Ruth.
- The Dodgers presented Trump with a No. 47 jersey.
- They also gave him what appeared to be a replica World Series ring.
- Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are pursuing a third consecutive title.
- Mookie Betts did not attend and said he wanted to spend the off-day with family.
- The Dodgers also visited the White House after winning the 2024 championship.
- Trump made one reference to the Iran war during the celebration.
- Championship baseball teams have visited the White House since 1869.
Deep Look
Trump Celebrates Back-to-Back Champion Dodgers
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump honored Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House on Thursday following the team’s second consecutive World Series championship.
The Rose Garden ceremony marked the Dodgers’ second White House visit in two years.
Trump praised the organization as “one of the great brands anywhere in the world.”
The Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, becoming Major League Baseball’s first repeat champion in 25 years.
Trump Predicts Possible Third Visit
Trump described the Dodgers-Blue Jays matchup as “a hell of a series.”
He said he was surprised to learn that the franchise had never previously won consecutive World Series titles.
“I’m thrilled to say welcome back to the White House,” Trump said. “And maybe I’ll see you again next year.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also looked ahead to another possible championship.
“We’re going for a three-peat,” Roberts said.
Ohtani Draws Trump’s Attention
Before the ceremony, Trump said he was particularly excited to meet Ohtani.
The president compared the two-way Dodgers star extensively with baseball legend Babe Ruth.
Trump suggested Ohtani could be considered the best hitter and pitcher in the sport.
The comparison reflects Ohtani’s unusual ability to perform at an elite level as both a batter and pitcher.
Dodgers Present Trump With Jersey and Ring
Trump delivered his remarks in front of a table displaying the Dodgers’ two World Series trophies.
The team presented him with a personalized Dodgers jersey bearing the number 47, a reference to his status as the 47th president.
The Dodgers also gave Trump what appeared to be a replica World Series championship ring.
“Wow. Do I have to report this? I don’t want to report this,” Trump said before placing the ring inside his suit jacket.
Trump Recalls 18-Inning World Series Game
The White House band played an instrumental version of Randy Newman’s “I Love LA” before Trump appeared.
Guests wore blue Dodgers caps under the bright Rose Garden sun.
Trump recalled Game 3 of the previous World Series, when Los Angeles defeated Toronto 6-5 in 18 innings.
The president said he remained awake until about 3 a.m. to watch the conclusion.
“It was a long one, but it was amazing,” Trump said.
“I thought it was a game that you were going to lose about four or five times, and you ended up winning,” he added. “Luck is OK, too, right?”
Roberts responded, “Luck is OK.”
“But with talent you get a lot of luck,” Trump said.
Iran War Limits Trump’s Baseball Viewing
Trump said Roberts informed him before the event that the Dodgers currently held the best record in baseball.
The president acknowledged that he had not followed the season as closely as usual.
“I’ve been a little busy with Iran and some other things,” Trump said.
It was his only reference during the celebration to the war in the Middle East, which had escalated over the preceding days.
Mookie Betts Skips Ceremony
Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts did not attend Thursday’s event.
Betts participated in the team’s 2025 White House celebration but said he preferred to spend scheduled off-days with his family.
The Dodgers had initially considered visiting Washington in April while playing the Nationals. Their crowded early-season schedule prevented the event from taking place then.
The team arranged Thursday’s appearance during an off-day between road series against the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.
Dodgers Previously Celebrated 2024 Title
Trump hosted the Dodgers in the East Room in April 2025 after their championship victory over the New York Yankees.
The latest ceremony recognized their subsequent title against Toronto.
Los Angeles is now attempting to become the first MLB team to win three consecutive championships since the Yankees won three straight from 1998 through 2000.
White House Tradition Dates to 1869
Professional baseball teams have visited the White House since 1869.
President Ulysses S. Grant hosted the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first fully professional baseball club, after an undefeated season.
The World Series did not take its modern form until 1903.
Presidential celebrations have since become a tradition for championship teams across American professional and college sports.
Team Visits Sometimes Become Political
Sports-team visits have occasionally generated controversy during Trump’s presidencies.
In 2018, Trump withdrew an invitation to the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles after several players suggested they might not attend.
The Dodgers participated in both of their recent celebrations, although Betts chose not to attend the latest event.
Rose Garden Looks Different From Last Visit
Trump redesigned the Rose Garden after the Dodgers’ previous White House appearance.
The renovation added a patio resembling part of his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida.
Trump also mentioned the presidential “Walk of Fame” installed along the White House colonnade. It includes plaques recognizing former presidents, along with partisan criticism of Joe Biden and other Democrats.
“I could put some of the great Dodgers on the wall,” Trump joked, “but I figured maybe it’s more appropriate that we put the presidents.”
Trump Recalls Friendship With Steinbrenner
Trump, a New York native and longtime baseball fan, has historically been associated with the Yankees.
The club’s late owner George Steinbrenner was a close friend of the president.
“He would do anything to win,” Trump said of Steinbrenner before addressing the Dodgers’ owners. “But you’re doing the same thing.”
Trump Criticizes Mets at Georgia Rally
Trump was less complimentary toward the New York Mets during a Georgia rally Wednesday.
He praised the Atlanta Braves’ organization while criticizing the Mets for combining a large payroll with a losing record.
“You know, the Mets have the highest salary in baseball, and they lose all the time,” Trump said. “And I’m like, maybe we can steal this guy.”
“There are teams like that, where they never go down,” he added. “Then you have other teams — ‘We’re rebuilding.’ They’ve been rebuilding for years. I don’t want to mention teams ’cause I know all the owners. They’re all friends of mine.”
Former Braves manager Brian Snitker and Braves Development Company President and CEO Mike Plant joined Trump at the Georgia event.
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