At a celebration for the 2024 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, President Donald Trump didn’t just deliver accolades—he slipped in a classic Trump jab aimed directly at one of California’s most controversial figures: Senator Adam Schiff.
The East Room of the White House was packed with smiles, cheers, and high-fives as the Dodgers, fresh off their World Series victory over the Yankees, were honored by the President. But amidst the fanfare, Trump found time for a sharp—but hilarious—aside about the state’s new senator.
After introducing a handful of California Republicans present at the event, Trump made it a point to let the crowd know who he wouldn’t be introducing. “I don’t particularly like them,” he said of California’s two Democratic senators—Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla. The line drew laughter from the crowd, and Trump followed it up with, “I didn’t think that was going to be so controversial—it’s Washington!”
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw presents President Donald J. Trump with a 47 jersey. ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/dqOM7bfamy
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 7, 2025
Neither Schiff nor Padilla was in attendance, according to their representatives. But even in absentia, Schiff managed to be the butt of the joke—a fitting moment given the long history between the two.
Trump and Schiff’s feud dates back to the height of the Russia collusion hoax, when Schiff, then chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, led the charge in spreading false narratives about Trump’s alleged ties to Moscow. Schiff became the face of the so-called investigation, repeatedly going on cable news and declaring he had “evidence” of collusion—evidence that never materialized. Trump, along with many on the right, has never let Schiff live it down.
The moment also comes just months after Schiff eked out a Senate win in deep-blue California, defeating former Dodgers legend Steve Garvey in a race that saw Garvey blast Schiff over those very same Russia lies during a televised debate. “You lied to 300 million people. You can’t take that back,” Garvey said, summing up what millions of Americans still feel about the ordeal.
That context makes Trump’s quip all the more satisfying for those who remember the early years of the anti-Trump witch hunts.
Of course, the president didn’t spend the entire ceremony throwing elbows. In a lighter moment, he praised 2024 National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, calling him a once-in-a-generation talent with “movie star” looks. Trump also accepted a Dodgers jersey with the number 47 on it—a nod to his current title as the 47th President of the United States. Pitcher Clayton Kershaw made the presentation.
It’s not every day that a White House sports ceremony produces headlines beyond the box score, but when Trump’s holding the mic, you can always expect a little extra showmanship. The left may bristle, but for Trump’s base, it’s these off-script moments that make the man.
