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World Series champs Dodgers to visit Trump White House July 23

7/12/2026

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Summary

Dodgers Visit

The Dodgers will visit the White House on July 23 to celebrate their 2025 World Series title.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said President Donald Trump invited the Dodgers, which they accepted, and he is excited to welcome the team, with roster slated to attend, preserving a tradition since 1865.
Manager Dave Roberts said attendance is a choice, expecting most players to attend, and added that player Kiké Hernández will not go.

Summary

Betts Skips WhiteHouse

Mookie Betts will likely miss the July 23 White House visit to be with his child after Brianna gave birth to their second daughter, Khari, in April.
Betts said the decision is non-political, noting he would be criticized either way.
He recalled declining a 2019 White House appearance with Red Sox and noted attendance with President Joe Biden in 2021 and U.S. President Donald Trump in 2024 to show loyalty beyond politics.

Summary

Plaschke Slams Visit

Bill Plaschke called the Dodgers’ White House visit an insult to Hispanic fans.
Plaschke said the trip would be a cheap Trump photo op despite recent ICE raids.
Plaschke noted the 2017 Warriors, 2018 Eagles and 2025 Thunder all refused Trump-era White House trips.
Plaschke invoked Jackie Robinson and said the Dodgers’ LGBTQ+ Pride Night alienates Christian fans, turning the visit into an endorsement of President Donald Trump.

History

Historical Context

Championship teams have visited the White House since President Andrew Johnson welcomed amateur clubs on August 30 1865, with the first professional squad arriving in 1869. The tradition continued when the 1977 New York Yankees, managed by Billy Martin and posting a 100-win season, met President Jimmy Carter after Reggie Jackson’s three-homer World Series. The pattern links past and present political symbolism.

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Dodgers Visit

The Dodgers will visit the White House on July 23 to celebrate their 2025 World Series title.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said President Donald Trump invited the Dodgers, which they accepted, and he is excited to welcome the team, with roster slated to attend, preserving a tradition since 1865.
Manager Dave Roberts said attendance is a choice, expecting most players to attend, and added that player Kiké Hernández will not go.

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