Dodgers visit Trump White House amid criticism from some fans

The Los Angeles Dodgers visited the White House on Thursday to celebrate consecutive World Series titles, despite anger from some fans over President Donald Trump's immigration raids in Los Angeles.

The ceremony in the Rose Garden came nearly nine months after the Dodgers' 2025 game-seven victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Most of the roster attended, including Shohei Ohtani. Dodgers owner-chairman Mark Walter gave Trump a personalized World Series ring and a No. 47 jersey.

Mookie Betts and Enrique Hernandez did not attend. Hernandez, who said during the summer immigration crackdown that he was "saddened and infuriated by what's happening," said he was recovering from injury but "probably wouldn't have gone anyways." Betts said he wanted to spend time with family and denied that his absence was political.

Trump welcomed the team back and said he might see them again next year. The Dodgers had also visited the White House after defeating the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series.

The visit drew criticism from some Dodgers supporters, especially after immigration raids in Los Angeles targeted undocumented migrants in a heavily Latino city. Raids at garment factories, car washes and other workplaces led to protests in which scores of people were injured during clashes with law enforcement. The team had been criticized by fans for not speaking out at the time.

Dodgers fan Jesse Lopez, 45, said the team should not have attended because the Dodgers community is based on Hispanic and Latino supporters. Travis Belchere, 57, also criticized the visit, saying Trump was targeting Hispanics and Latinos. Some fans applauded the absences of Betts and Hernandez.

After criticism in June, the Dodgers barred federal immigration agents from the team's stadium parking lot and pledged $1 million to help immigrant families affected by recent events in the region. Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke also criticized the repeat White House celebration. The source noted that the 2025 NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder had declined to be honored by Trump.