Mookie Betts is turning the page on a decision he made back in 2019—one that he now says he regrets. As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to visit the White House next week to celebrate their 2024 World Series win, Betts is making it clear: this time, he’s going, and he’s doing it for his teammates.
Back in 2019, Betts was with the Boston Red Sox when they won the championship. At the time, he chose not to attend the White House celebration under President Donald Trump, joining others like manager Alex Cora and pitcher David Price in skipping the event. Then, in 2021, Betts joined the Dodgers for their 2020 championship visit under President Joe Biden.
Mookie Betts said he will visit White House with #Dodgers team on Monday. Not a political decision. “I want to be there with my boys because they’ve been there for me”
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 4, 2025
Now, in 2025, Betts is making headlines again—this time for showing up. Speaking ahead of the visit, he explained his reasoning: “This is not about me… this is about the Dodgers. Because these boys were there for me.” He emphasized that this choice stems from team loyalty and unity, not politics.
Betts even acknowledged his regret over the 2019 decision, saying, “I made it about me… I’m not the same person I was then.” By attending this year, he hopes to show personal growth and prioritize his role as a teammate.
Fully aware that his actions could be viewed through a political lens, Betts addressed that head-on: “No matter what I say or what I do, people are going to take it as political. But that’s definitely not what it is.” He wants fans and critics alike to understand that this is about standing with the team—not making a political statement.
Through self-reflection and maturity, Mookie Betts is showing how much he’s evolved—not just as a player, but as a person. And by choosing to join his teammates at the White House, he’s putting team first and proving that unity matters most.