The Los Angeles Dodgers have drawn criticism for their decision to visit President Donald Trump at the White House to celebrate their back-to-back World Series championships. The team's choice has been labeled 'tone deaf' and 'insulting' by some, who argue the visit disregards the impact of Trump's past policies on the community.
The Dodgers, who won their second consecutive World Series in November, had initially cited a busy schedule for not being able to make the traditional championship visit. However, they announced this week that the trip is now scheduled for July 23, an off day during their road trip to New York and Philadelphia.
"As was the case one year ago, the Dodgers' upcoming visits to the White House and Capitol Hill follow the longtime tradition of visits by other World Series champions," a team statement read. "We appreciate these tributes in recognition of our back-to-back championships."
Despite the team's framing of the visit as a continuation of tradition, a column in the Los Angeles Times by Bill Plaschke sharply criticized the decision. Plaschke argued that the trip "makes no sense," particularly given that the Dodgers play in Los Angeles, a city with a diverse fanbase. He referenced "traumatic ICE raids" that occurred in Los Angeles the previous summer, which he attributed to Trump's administration, stating that the president "treated the Dodgers fans with a careless disregard for their basic humanity."
Plaschke urged the Dodgers to reconsider, stating, "It's not too late. The Dodgers still have time to change their minds and do the right thing. They still have time to acknowledge that this is not about eschewing tradition or succumbing to politics or anything but common human decency."
The Dodgers previously visited the White House in April 2025 to celebrate their 2024 World Series victory. During that visit, Trump praised individual players, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and pitcher Yoshi Yamamoto. He also presented Betts with a Dodgers jersey during the ceremony. At that time, Trump had predicted the team's continued success, suggesting they would be back the following year.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers confirmed the upcoming visit, stating, "President Trump is excited to welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers BACK to the White House to celebrate their World Series championship!"