Donald Trump had an odd request for L.A. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani during the MLB team’s visit to the White House on Monday.
The World Series winners made the customary trip to the highest office in the land this week, and Trump was visibly star-struck by the talented hitter.
After the United States President got the formalities out of the way, with speeches and such taking place, he took the team to the Oval Office, where he strangely made Ohtani take a photo next to the Declaration of Independence.
The POTUS was heard saying, “What a guy,” in a clip shared to X by his assistant Dan Scavino.
Check it out below:
Shohei Ohtani Made Donald Trump Sweat
Ohtani only confirmed he would be joining his team on the trip last week, so Trump must have been worried he might not get to see the Dodgers superstar up close. And he made the moment count.
The Japanese player had remained silent on his plans, leading to rife doubts, especially given concerns over how people might feel in his native Japan. But he let everyone know he would make the trip last week.
He made the revelation via Japanese media, much to the relief of lots of fans. We imagine Trump was just as relieved.
Such decisions will always split opinions, but being made to pose next to the Declaration of Independence is sure to set even more tongues wagging.
Meanwhile, Ohtani wasn’t the only member of the Dodgers Trump waxed lyrical over. The President branded the team “the best-looking people I’ve ever seen” while telling Kike Hernandez he had a “hell of a grip” after shaking hands with him.
