The Dodgers went to the White House this Thursday to celebrate their two-time World Series championship with President Donald Trump, in a visit that was far from going unnoticed. Beyond protocol, the absences of Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández became the central issue of a ceremony surrounded by controversy.

The team's presence in Washington generated criticism weeks ago due to the political context and the recent immigration raids carried out in Los Angeles. In that scenario, the fact that two of the organization's most representative players did not make the trip ended up capturing a lot of attention.

Why didn't Mookie Betts go to the White House?

The absence of Mookie Betts was one of the most talked about during the Dodgers' visit.

The gardener decided to stay with his family and explained that he did not want his decision to be interpreted as a political stance. Despite not being present, Donald Trump mentioned it during the ceremony when recognizing some of the main figures of the champion team.

His absence generated widespread conversation among fans, especially since it occurred at a time when the organization is facing questions for accepting the presidential invitation.

Kiké Hernández did not accompany the Dodgers either

Another name that stood out by its absence was Kiké Hernández.

The Puerto Rican utility man did not travel to Washington because he continues with his rehabilitation process. However, his case took on special significance because he had previously publicly expressed his support for the communities affected by the immigration raids in Los Angeles.

Therefore, although his absence had a sporting explanation, he also once again placed his name at the center of the debate surrounding the Dodgers' visit.

The Dodgers' visit divided part of their fans

The controversy began long before the trip to Washington.

After winning the 2025 World Series, immigrant advocacy organizations, Dodger Stadium workers and fan groups launched campaigns for the organization to reject the invitation to the White House.

Among the groups that led the initiative were UNITE HERE Local 11, a union that represents stadium employees, and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), which argued that accepting the invitation could be interpreted as support for an administration targeted by the immigration operations that affected thousands of families in Los Angeles.

The controversy increased after the raids carried out by ICE in different parts of the city and the presence of federal agents near Dodger Stadium, a situation that provoked strong criticism among fans and activists. Subsequently, the organization announced a donation of more than $1 million dollars to support community groups that provide assistance to people affected by these operations.

Donald Trump received the World Series champions

During the ceremony, Donald Trump congratulated the Dodgers on their two-time World Series championship, highlighted the team's talent and praised figures like Shohei Ohtani, in addition to receiving a ring and a special jersey from the president of the organization, Mark Walter.

For his part, manager Dave Roberts avoided entering into political issues and focused his message on the sporting aspect, reiterating that the Dodgers' goal is to compete for a third consecutive World Series championship.