10 Championship Sports Teams That Made a White House Visit
Inter Miami CF
10. Joey Logano – 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
President Trump welcomed Joey Logano, the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series champion, to the White House on April 30, 2019. Logano attended the ceremony alongside team owner Roger Penske. During the South Lawn event, Trump praised Logano’s accomplishments and NASCAR’s popularity. The driver presented the president with a racing helmet and a small trophy.
9. Baylor Bears Women’s basketball – 2019 NCAA Champions
The Baylor Lady Bears visited the White House on April 29, 2019, after winning the 2019 NCAA women’s basketball championship. Coached by Kim Mulkey, Baylor defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball 82-81 in a thrilling title game. Trump praised the team’s resilience and highlighted Chloe Jackson’s game-winning layup.
8. Clemson Tigers football – 2018 National Champions
The Clemson Tigers visited the White House in January 2019 after their dominant 44-16 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide football in the national championship. Because of a government shutdown, Presidnet Donald Trump famously served the Clemson Tigers football a fast-food spread that included burgers and pizza, making the visit widely discussed.
7. Martin Truex Jr. – 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Martin Truex Jr. and the Furniture Row Racing team visited the White House in May 2018 after winning the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series championship. President Donald Trump praised Truex’s dominant season, which included eight wins and 19 top-five finishes. Truex’s longtime partner, cancer survivor Sherry Pollex, also attended the ceremony.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide football – 2017 National Champions
2017 National Champions The Alabama Crimson Tide visited the White House on April 10, 2018, to celebrate their 2017 national championship victory. President Donald Trump praised the Alabama Crimson Tide football’s “grit, drive, dedication, and incredible teamwork.” Head coach Nick Saban presented the president with a personalized No. 17 Alabama jersey.
5. Houston Astros – 2017 World Series Champions
2017 World Series Champions The Houston Astros visited the White House on March 12, 2018, after winning their first World Series title. President Donald Trump praised the team’s resilience following Hurricane Harvey and their on-field success. Manager A. J. Hinch presented Trump with a custom jersey, while some players, including Carlos Correa, chose not to attend.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins – 2016–17 Stanley Cup Champions
2016–17 Stanley Cup Champions The Pittsburgh Penguins visited the White House on October 10, 2017, after winning the 2016–17 Stanley Cup. President Donald Trump praised the Pittsburgh Penguins ’s dedication and highlighted their charitable efforts. Captain Sidney Crosby attended the ceremony despite some controversy surrounding the visit.
3. New England Patriots – Super Bowl LI Champions
Super Bowl LI Champions The New England Patriots visited the White House in April 2017 after their historic Super Bowl LI comeback victory. President Donald Trump praised the New England Patriots’s achievement during the ceremony. Several players, including quarterback Tom Brady, skipped the visit, with some citing political differences.
2. Clemson Tigers football – 2016 National Champions
2016 National Champions Led by head coach Dabo Swinney, the Clemson Tigers visited the White House in June 2017 after winning the 2016 national championship. President Donald Trump praised the Clemson Tigers football’s determination and highlighted their comeback victory against Alabama during the ceremony.
1. Lionel Messi & Inter Miami CF – 2025 MLS Cup Champions
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami visited the White House in 2026 to celebrate the club’s 2025 MLS Cup championship. President Donald Trump welcomed the team and highlighted Messi’s impact since arriving in Major League Soccer. During the ceremony, Trump also sparked debate by asking whether Messi or Brazilian legend Pelé was the greater player before saying, “I think he is.” Players including Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul were among those present for the event.
