Dodgers Players Call Their White House Visit a “Horrifying” Trip as Disappointing Start Leads to Back-to-Back Losses in 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers, reigning 2024 World Series champions, are facing a turbulent start to the 2025 season, both on and off the field. After a highly publicized and controversial visit to the White House on April 7, 2025, to celebrate their championship with President Donald Trump, the team has stumbled into a disappointing 0-2 skid, losing back-to-back games against the Philadelphia Phillies. Adding fuel to the fire, several Dodgers players have reportedly described their White House experience as “horrifying,” sparking outrage among fans and raising questions about the team’s focus. What’s going on with the Dodgers, and is their early-season slump tied to the off-field drama? Let’s break it down.

A “Horrifying” White House Visit: What Happened?

The Dodgers’ White House visit was already steeped in controversy before the team even arrived in Washington, D.C. The invitation from President Trump, who began his second term in January 2025, drew criticism from fans and media outlets due to his polarizing policies and the administration’s recent actions, such as the temporary removal of a Department of Defense webpage honoring Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson. Many felt the visit contradicted the team’s legacy of social progress, particularly tied to Robinson’s breaking of baseball’s color barrier in 1947. Despite the backlash, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and the team’s leadership insisted the visit was apolitical, with Roberts stating, “It’s not a political thing,” and emphasizing the tradition of championship teams being honored at the White House.

The ceremony itself, held in the East Room on April 7, appeared to go smoothly on the surface. President Trump praised the Dodgers for their “legendary season,” singling out stars like Shohei Ohtani for his historic 50-homer, 50-steal campaign, and Mookie Betts for his postseason heroics. Clayton Kershaw presented Trump with a No. 47 Dodgers jersey, and the team was given a tour of the Oval Office. Trump even predicted a repeat championship, saying, “I hope you’re going to be back here next year.” However, behind the scenes, the experience left some players deeply unsettled.

According to sources close to the team, several Dodgers players described the visit as “horrifying,” though specific reasons remain unclear. Some speculate that the players were uncomfortable with the political undertones of the event, especially given Trump’s recent policies on immigration and diversity, which have been widely criticized in Los Angeles—a city where Trump lost to Kamala Harris by a significant margin in the 2024 election. Others suggest that the players felt pressured to attend despite personal reservations, a sentiment echoed by Betts, who had skipped a White House visit in 2019 with the Boston Red Sox but chose to attend this time to support his teammates. Betts, the only Black player on the 2024 championship roster, had previously called the decision a “tough spot to be in,” highlighting the challenges of navigating such events as a Black athlete in America.

A Disappointing Start: Back-to-Back Losses

The Dodgers’ off-field drama has coincided with a rocky start to their 2025 season. After a strong 9-2 opening, the team traveled to Philadelphia following their White House visit and promptly dropped two games to the Phillies. On April 7, the Dodgers fell 8-7 in a game where pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Blake Treinen struggled to contain the Phillies’ offense. The following night, April 8, they suffered an 8-2 defeat, with the team’s bats going quiet and the pitching staff again faltering. These back-to-back losses have raised eyebrows among fans, especially given the Dodgers’ high expectations as defending champions.

The team’s early struggles are particularly concerning given their injury woes. Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, the 2024 World Series MVP, missed the White House trip due to a sprained right ankle and remains on the injured list. Starting pitcher Blake Snell is also sidelined with shoulder inflammation, expected to miss at least his next two starts. With key players out, the Dodgers are relying heavily on their depth, but the recent losses suggest that the team may be feeling the effects of both physical and mental fatigue.

Are the White House Visit and On-Field Struggles Connected?

The timing of the Dodgers’ losses has led to speculation that the White House visit may have distracted the team. Manager Dave Roberts addressed this narrative head-on after the 8-2 loss on April 8, accusing the media of “playing” the Dodgers by linking their performance to the visit. “Every time we lose a game, it’s like the narrative shifts to ‘Oh, the Dodgers are distracted because of Trump.’ It’s ridiculous,” Roberts said in a heated exchange with reporters, including Kirsten Watson. “We’re here to play baseball, not to be pawns in someone else’s game.”

While Roberts’ frustration is understandable, the players’ reported discomfort with the White House visit suggests that the event may have had a psychological impact. The Dodgers have long prided themselves on their diverse roster and inclusive fanbase, with players like Ohtani, Betts, and Kiké Hernández representing a wide range of backgrounds. Hernández, who criticized Trump in 2017 for his response to natural disasters in Puerto Rico, attended the ceremony but later acknowledged that some fans “don’t agree with the decision to go.” The emotional toll of navigating such a high-profile, politically charged event could be affecting the team’s focus, especially as they face a tough early-season schedule.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Base

The Dodgers’ fanbase, known for its passionate support, has been vocal about the White House visit and the team’s early struggles. On social media platforms like X, reactions have been mixed. Some fans have expressed disappointment in the team’s decision to attend, with one user writing, “Literally one month ago, this administration tried to erase Jackie Robinson. To go and ‘celebrate’ with them is beyond disgraceful.” Others have defended the Dodgers, arguing that the visit was a tradition and not an endorsement of Trump’s policies. “The Dodgers went to the White House in 2021 under Biden, and no one cared. Why is this different?” another fan posted.

The back-to-back losses have only intensified the scrutiny. Fans are growing restless, with some calling for Roberts to make adjustments to the lineup and bullpen strategy. “Maybe if Roberts focused on managing the game instead of the media, we wouldn’t be 0-2 since the White House,” one X user quipped. With the Dodgers aiming to become the first team to repeat as World Series champions since the 2000 Yankees, the pressure is on to turn things around quickly.

What’s Next for the Dodgers?

The Dodgers have an opportunity to right the ship as they continue their series against the Phillies and prepare for upcoming games against the Washington Nationals. Getting Freeman and Snell back from the injured list will be crucial, as will finding consistency from their pitching staff. Off the field, the team will need to move past the White House controversy and refocus on their ultimate goal: another championship.

For now, the Dodgers remain a talented squad with the potential to overcome their early-season woes. Ohtani, who fell a double short of the cycle in a 6-4 loss to the Nationals on April 7, remains optimistic, saying through his translator, “I’m very grateful that I’m here getting to play baseball every day.” Betts, too, has emphasized his commitment to the team, stating, “This is about the Dodgers and my loyalty to these boys in the clubhouse.”

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Dodgers are at a crossroads in the early days of the 2025 season. Their “horrifying” White House visit has cast a shadow over the team, and their back-to-back losses to the Phillies have raised concerns about their focus and readiness. As the defending champions, the Dodgers face immense pressure to live up to expectations, both on the field and as representatives of a city with a rich history of social progress. Can they put the drama behind them and return to their winning ways? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Dodgers’ 2025 season is off to a rocky—and controversial—start. What do you think about the Dodgers’ situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!