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Dave Roberts Joins Dodgers’ White House Visit Despite Backlash

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alvin Garcia | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 9:56 AM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed he will attend the team’s upcoming White House visit on April 7, 2025, to celebrate their 2024 World Series title alongside President Donald Trump. While such visits are often seen as tradition, Roberts’ decision shifts from his previous stance and has sparked discussion given the current political climate.

In 2019, Roberts hesitated to visit the White House under President Trump, stating that “one trip to D.C., playing the Nationals, is plenty.” At the time, his remarks suggested discomfort with the political symbolism of such a visit. This year, however, Roberts described the invitation as “a huge honor” and emphasized his respect for the president's office, regardless of who holds it.

This change in approach comes amid renewed controversy over the Trump administration’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the federal government. Most notably, the Pentagon recently removed historical content from its websites, including profiles of Black service members such as Jackie Robinson. The content was later partially restored following a public backlash.

Jackie Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier and served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, is a central figure in baseball and American civil rights history. His military story, which includes facing a court-martial for refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus, was briefly erased from Department of Defense platforms as part of a broader directive to eliminate DEI materials.

Given this context, the Dodgers’ visit to the White House has drawn scrutiny. Some media outlets, including The Los Angeles Times, questioned whether the team should attend, citing the disconnect between the administration’s actions and the Dodgers’ diverse roster and social impact legacy. Similarly, early reports speculated that the organization might decline the invitation, given Los Angeles’ progressive values and the backgrounds of many players.

While Roberts’ attendance may reflect a desire to focus on the team’s achievements rather than politics, it highlights how such events are no longer perceived as neutral. In today’s environment, participation in a White House visit can carry symbolic weight, especially when national policies directly affect communities represented within the sport.

Ultimately, Roberts and the Dodgers have chosen to uphold tradition. Still, the decision invites reflection on the role of professional sports figures in navigating the intersection of culture, politics, and public perception.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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