DODGERS PLAYER HERNANDEZ DECLINES WHITE HOUSE VISIT

Enrique Hernandez, a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has confirmed he will not attend a scheduled White House visit. Hernandez responded to an Instagram comment expressing concern about the visit by stating "I'm not," according to reports. The Dodgers received an invitation from President Donald Trump to visit the capital. The team is scheduled to travel to Capitol Hill on 23 July.

The Dodgers won the World Series in 2025, becoming the first team in 25 years to repeat as champions. They defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 at Rogers Centre, with a 5-4 victory in extra innings. Hernandez made a crucial defensive play in the ninth inning whilst chasing a fly ball hit by Ernie Clement with the bases loaded. He recorded one hit across five at-bats in the series finale and earned his third World Series title with the franchise.

The custom of World Series-winning teams visiting the White House dates back to 1869, when the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional team to make the visit under President Ulysses S. Grant. Hernandez's decision marks the first public instance of a Dodgers player declining to attend the 2026 White House visit. Reports indicate backlash continues to develop regarding the team's scheduled attendance at the event.