Trump draws laughs after stumbling over Dodgers’ historic MLB season statistic at White House

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump drew laughter during a White House ceremony honoring the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers after stumbling over a statistic about the team's historic season, joking, "I don't know what the hell that means," before continuing his remarks.

The Rose Garden event celebrated the Dodgers' second consecutive World Series title on Thursday, July 23, with stars including Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in attendance. Trump praised the franchise as "one of the great brands anywhere in the world" and congratulated the team on another championship season.

Trump pauses over MLB statistic

While recognizing the Dodgers' achievements, Trump read a statistic noting the club had played "the longest season in Major League Baseball history." He paused mid-sentence, chuckled, and told the audience, "I don't know what the hell that means," prompting laughter from players and guests before shrugging and moving on with the ceremony.

The lighthearted moment quickly became one of the most talked-about clips from the event.

The 80-year-old also reflected on last year's seven-game World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, describing it as "a hell of a series." He recalled staying awake until around 3 am to watch the dramatic 18-inning Game 3, telling the team he thought they were going to lose "about four or five times" before pulling off the victory.

Dodgers present Trump with gifts at White House

During the ceremony, the Dodgers presented Trump with a jersey bearing the number 47 and what appeared to be a replica World Series championship ring.

Holding up the ring, the POTUS joked, "Wow. Do I have to report this? I don't want to report this," before slipping it into the inside pocket of his suit jacket, drawing another round of laughs.

He also compared Ohtani to baseball legend Babe Ruth, describing the Japanese superstar as arguably the best hitter and pitcher in the sport. Trump noted he had spoken briefly with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts before the ceremony and learned the club currently owns the best record in Major League Baseball.

Roberts, in his remarks, thanked the White House for hosting the team and said the Dodgers were aiming for a third straight World Series title, telling the audience, "We're going for a three-peat."

The visit marked the Dodgers' second White House celebration under Trump after the team was previously honored for its 2024 World Series championship.