Should the LA Dodgers, now two-time World Series champions, meet President Donald Trump at the White House?
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A Pasadena-based labor group, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), launched a petition on November 4 titled “Open Letter to the LA Dodgers,” urging the team to cancel their traditional White House visit.
The petition states, “At a time when families and neighbors face violence, detention, and deportation, visiting the president responsible for these actions would mean turning your back on the community.” The group called on the players “to stand on the right side and be with us.” By 5 p.m. on November 10, the petition had gathered 16,340 signatures.
The Dodgers faced similar backlash last year when plans to visit the White House in April after their previous championship met strong opposition from California’s anti-Trump groups.
Traditionally, championship-winning sports teams have visited the White House regardless of politics—a practice dating back to President Andrew Johnson in the 1800s and officially recognized as a ceremonial event in the 20th century.
The Dodgers previously visited President Joe Biden at the White House following their 2020 World Series victory, a trip that drew little controversy. With Trump’s second term now underway, opposition to the visit has resurfaced.
Following the Dodgers’ recent win, President Trump wrote on social media, “See you at the White House.” The team is expected to follow tradition and visit the White House around April next year.
The debate over whether even sports events should be viewed through the lens of political correctness continues.
BY YOONSEO SONG [song.yoonseo@koreadaily.com]
