Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Major League Baseball, questioning the current state of the sport while renewing his long-standing push for Roger Clemens' induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Trump made these remarks on the social media platform Truth Social.
In his post, Trump highlighted Clemens' career accomplishments, including 354 wins and a record seven Cy Young Awards, arguing that baseball writers have unfairly excluded him from Cooperstown. "How about Roger Clemens not being in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, all because of a bunch of jealous people with far less Talent, voted that he shouldn't be there," Trump wrote. He also asserted that Clemens was "not convicted, or admitted, to taking Drugs" and described him as "easily one of the few Greatest Pitchers of All Time."
Trump also commented on labor negotiations within MLB, noting that the current agreement between the league and the MLB Players Association is set to expire on December 1. Should a new deal not be reached by then, a lockout could ensue. Reports indicate that a primary point of contention is the league's interest in a salary cap system, a proposal that the union has historically opposed.
This is not the first time Trump has commented on baseball labor issues. In July, MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred was asked about the possibility of presidential intervention in the ongoing negotiations. Manfred stated at the time that it would be "wildly, wildly inappropriate" to speculate on potential presidential involvement, but acknowledged that Trump is "a great sports fan, and he is really knowledgeable about the business of sports," adding that Trump was "interested."
Additionally, Trump referenced Pete Rose, stating that Commissioner Manfred had told him he would approve Rose's reinstatement but delayed the decision until after Rose's death. In the past year, Manfred announced the reinstatement of both Rose and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, making them eligible for Hall of Fame consideration.
Trump's renewed focus on Clemens comes after he played golf with the former pitcher and his son in August of the previous year. At that time, Trump also advocated for Clemens' Hall of Fame candidacy, stating he "should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame, NOW!" Clemens himself has expressed appreciation for the support, suggesting that "Everyone has their agendas… I played the game to change my family’s direction generationally and to WIN!"
Clemens' tenure on the Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot concluded in 2022, falling short of the 75% threshold required for Hall of Fame induction with 65.2% of the vote. Trump concluded his remarks by stating, "No wonder Baseball is in trouble!"