The Los Angeles Dodgers spent their off day visiting with President Donald Trump and more politicians at the White House in recognition of their 2025 World Series win.
Although the Dodgers accepted an invitation to the White House back in Spring Training, various logistics prevented it from taking place during an early-season road matchup against the Washington Nationals. Clayton Kershaw reunited with the Dodgers for the celebration, but Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández were not present.
Clayton Kershaw is with the Dodgers at the White House. pic.twitter.com/fLbJdIIwCZ
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) July 23, 2026
Betts chose to spend Thursday with his wife and children, who are on the East Coast road trip. Hernández is in the midst of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City but admitted he likely would not have attended if healthy and on the Dodgers roster.
Dodgers celebrated at White House Rose Garden
While the Dodgers were back at the White House for a second consecutive year, their 2026 visit marked a new experience as the ceremony was held on the revamped Rose Garden area. President Trump began his speech by focusing on the renovated Rose Garden and noted he hoped the Dodgers would be back next season.
Dave Roberts’ speech
“Thank you, Mark, and thank you, Mr. President,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts began. “I had a script but I just want to say we’re very grateful to be here. You said the term, ‘winners,’ many times. This group of men and some men that aren’t here that were a part of the ’25 World Series championship, support staff, coaches, front office, ownership, men of character, people with character.
“We did something that hasn’t been done in over 30 years, going back-to-back World Series champions. We are going for a three-peat. We’re in the middle of a season right now, the grind, so thank you. The only thing I have to say is I hope when you watch our guys play, you can be proud and say, ‘These guys do things the right way.’
“There names are everywhere on social media and in the news. But when it comes to winning 11 games in October, or 13 last year, these guys all come together unselfishly. You never know what moment is going to present itself, but we have all these guys here that are ready when called upon.
“We’re very fortunate to have these guys and hopefully we’ve got more Dodger fans. Thank you very much, Mr. President.”
Clayton Kershaw back with team
Kershaw has previously been around the Dodgers this season in his special advisor role, which included taking in Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. Kershaw’s presence caught President Trump’s attention and the left-hander was recognized for his remarkable career.
“He’s a winner,” President Trump said. “You talk about a winner, look at that guy! I watched him beat a lot of our teams that were supposed to do well. They didn’t do too well against him.”
But when it was suggested that Kershaw is “still pitching well,” he regrettably informed the President he could not answer the bell for the Dodgers if asked.
Shohei Ohtani
Much like last year, Shohei Ohtani was the subject of high praise at multiple points during the ceremony. In particular was Ohtani’s performance in Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship Series that saw him hit three home runs and strike out 10 batters over six innings to help the Dodgers sweep the Milwaukee Brewers.
“I was watching the game and before the announcer said it, I said, ‘That might be the greatest game ever played,'” the President claimed. “The guy pitched six unbelievable innings and got three home runs.”
Freddie Freeman
Freddie Freeman, who was scheduled to speak during the Dodgers’ trip to the White House last year but missed out because of going on the injured list, had his Atlanta Braves roots brought up Thursday.
“I was with the Atlanta Braves yesterday and I said, ‘Great going losing Freddie,'” President Trump quipped.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Along with recognizing the Dodgers starting rotation for their impressive performance, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto garnered special attention, even if it included a mistake.
“Boy, did he pitch well. Pitched an incredible Game 6, sending the Dodgers to an unforgettable Game 7,” the President began. “You are something. Multiple times his team was one play away from losing it all, and I knew that. … Yoshi closed out the game on zero days rest, becoming the first pitcher in over two decades to win three games in a single World Series, and he hit real well too.”
Dodgers World Series heroes
Miguel Rojas, Will Klein, Andy Pages and Will Smith also were among the players specifically mentioned by the President during his speech. Each of the four played a key role
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