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The Los Angeles Dodgers have confirmed that they will visit President Donald Trump at the White House on April 7, 2025, following their World Series triumph last season. The visit coincides with the team’s trip to Washington, D.C., where they will play the Washington Nationals. The Dodgers will also visit the Capitol the next day.
Dodgers’ World Series Triumph Secures White House Visit
The Dodgers clinched that White House visit by emerging triumphant against the New York Yankees in a five-game series, thereby winning the 2024 World Series title. Trump, of course, favored the Yankees, but in a manner befitting their dominance, the Dodgers brought home the championship and an invite to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Speculation Leading Up to the Dodgers’ Decision
Wednesday's announcement found speculation rife about whether the Dodgers would accept the invitation. As the team steeled itself for what would prove to be the last two-week lead-up to April 7, it maintained silence about its plans; the prolonged uncertainty prompted comparisons with the Philadelphia Eagles, who one month after winning the Super Bowl on February 9, 2025, announced their trip to the White House.
Political Climate of the Visit
Trump's invitation comes in a time marked by sour relations between Trump and California politics. The Trump administration had been under fire lately for:
- Threatening to withhold federal funds regarding wildfires that ravaged portions of Los Angeles a month ago.
- The uproar over the removal and subsequent restoration of text contextualizing Jackie Robinson's Army service from the website was made only after public outrage.
Positioning on the Visit from Mookie Betts and Dave Roberts
While the Dodgers confirmed the visit, there is uncertainty about whether all players will go. Mookie Betts infamously has skipped the return to the White House after winning the World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. Similar views were once expressed by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, although he said this week he would go.
Roberts addressed the decision, saying:
“I respect the position. It’s the highest office in our country certainly, in the world. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Roberts also acknowledged the controversy surrounding the removal and subsequent restoration of the Jackie Robinson Army history article, stating:
“I'm happy that the page went back up. And I can't go too much into this. I have my strong opinions on DEI and all that stuff, but that's another scrum.”
Dodgers Ownership’s Political Influence
The Dodgers’ ownership group includes several prominent figures with varying political affiliations. Mark Walter and Stan Kasten have historically donated to Democratic causes, while Magic Johnson and Billie Jean King have publicly voiced opposition to Trump.
Dodgers’ Previous White House Visit with Biden
The Dodgers previously visited President Joe Biden in the White House in July 2021 after their 2020 World Series victory. They also received a congratulatory call from Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris following their 2024 championship win.
