President Trump welcomes Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani to White House ceremony
Donald Trump hosted World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and star Shohei Ohtani at the White House, praising the team as a major global brand and noting their recent success.
President Donald Trump held a White House reception for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Japanese star Shohei Ohtani on Thursday, describing the franchise as “one of the great brands anywhere in the world.” The event, held in the Rose Garden, marked the team’s second consecutive World Series title after they defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2024 championship series.
Trump highlighted the Dodgers’ Game 7 victory and recalled the 18-inning Game 3 from the previous year’s series, saying he stayed up until the early morning to watch it. He also noted the team’s current league-leading record and hinted at the possibility of a third straight title.
During the ceremony, the Dodgers presented Trump with a replica World Series ring and a Trump-branded jersey. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts responded that the club is “going for a three-peat.”
The president briefly mentioned ongoing military concerns in the Middle East, stating he has been “a little busy with Iran and some other things.” The White House’s Rose Garden has been renovated in the past year, including a new patio area and a “Walk of Fame” display that features presidential plaques alongside partisan commentary.
The Dodgers’ right fielder Mookie Betts was absent from the event, citing family commitments. The team’s visit follows a prior White House appearance in April 2025 after their 2024 championship over the New York Yankees.