President Donald Trump will host the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House on Thursday to celebrate their recent World Series championship. This marks the team's second title in two years and their second visit to the White House during Trump's presidency.
The visit highlights the tradition of championship sports teams visiting the White House, while also underscoring the potential for such events to become politicized, even when framed around athletic achievement.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to host the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House on Thursday to commemorate their recent World Series championship. This marks the team's second title in as many years and their second visit to the White House during Trump's presidency. The Dodgers secured their latest championship by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 last October.
While championship teams have visited the White House since 1869, such events have sometimes become controversial during Trump's tenure. Notably, the 2018 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles had their invitation rescinded. This year, Dodgers star Mookie Betts will not attend, stating he wishes to spend his scheduled day off with his family, despite having attended the previous visit in 2025.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized that the team's objective is to win championships and earn the annual invitation to the White House, framing the visit around athletic achievement rather than politics. The team had initially considered visiting in April during a series with the Washington Nationals but opted for a later date due to scheduling constraints. They are now in Washington D.C. on an off-day between series against the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets.
Trump, a known baseball enthusiast, has historically been associated with the New York Yankees. However, he has also publicly commented on other teams, recently praising the Atlanta Braves and criticizing the New York Mets for their high payroll and performance.