President Donald Trump is set to welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House on Thursday for a ceremony in the Rose Garden celebrating their recent World Series championship. The Dodgers secured their second title in as many years by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the finals last October.
This marks the second time the Dodgers have visited the White House during Trump's presidency to be honored for a championship. The team previously visited in April 2025 following their 2024 World Series win.
While visits by championship sports teams to the White House have historically occurred, they have sometimes been accompanied by controversy during Trump's term. In 2018, an invitation for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles was rescinded by the president after several players indicated they might not attend.
This year, Dodgers star Mookie Betts will not be attending the event, stating he prefers to spend the scheduled day off with his family. Betts did attend the team's previous White House visit in 2025. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that the team's goal is to win championships and earn the White House invitation each year, viewing it as a mark of success rather than a political endorsement.
The Dodgers had initially considered visiting the White House in April during a series with the Washington Nationals, but scheduling conflicts prevented it. They are now in the nation's capital during an off-day between a completed series in Philadelphia and their upcoming games against the New York Mets.
Championship baseball teams have been honored at the White House since 1869, when President Ulysses S. Grant hosted the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first fully professional team to visit. The modern iteration of the World Series was established in 1903.
Since the Dodgers' previous visit, the Rose Garden has undergone renovations, including the addition of a patio area. Trump, a noted baseball enthusiast, has long been associated with the New York Yankees. He recently commented on baseball team payrolls and performance at a rally in Georgia, referencing the New York Mets' high salaries and losing record, while also praising the Atlanta Braves' ownership.