Shohei Ohtani’s White House visit turned into more than just a team celebration on Monday. While the Los Angeles Dodgers were honored for their 2024 World Series title, the global icon was granted a rare private moment with President Donald Trump.

As part of the ceremony, the Dodgers were greeted by Trump to commemorate their championship season.

But Ohtani, one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, received a personal invitation into the Oval Office.

There, the two-time MVP took exclusive photos with the president, who offered high praise. “It’s a great honor. You’re an amazing athlete and person,” Trump told Ohtani during the visit.

He then asked Ohtani to pose beside the Declaration of Independence, a historic piece that hangs near the president’s desk.

Ohtani Called “Amazing” by President Trump Ohtani’s private moment added a special layer to the Dodgers’ visit, which kicked off their series against the Washington Nationals.

During the larger ceremony, longtime ace Clayton Kershaw presented Trump with a personalized Dodgers jersey featuring his name on the back. Happening now behind the scenes, President Donald Trump welcomes Los Angeles @Dodgers Shohei Ohtani to the Oval Office…

POTUS: “It’s a great honor, you’re an amazing athlete and person…” pic.twitter.com/LUUCspxFgu — Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) April 7, 2025

The trip to the White House marked the continuation of a long-standing tradition for championship-winning teams, but for Ohtani, it became something more – a rare and personal honor in the Oval Office from the president himself.