Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki is making headlines after wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat at the White House on Monday, much to the delight of President Donald Trump.
The team visited the White House to celebrate their victory in the World Series last week, a spectacular turnaround from a 19-31 start in May.
In his message, Trump, who declared Monday “Washington Nationals Day,” acknowledged Suzuki’s performance in the team’s ninth-inning comeback against the New York Mets on Sept. 4, in which he delivered a three-run, walk-off home run.
“Where’s Kurt?” Trump asked for Suzuki at the podium. “Come here, say a couple words. Come on.”
As Suzuki headed for the podium, he whipped out Trump’s signature “Make American Great Again” hat, taking the president by surprise.
“I love you all,” the 36-year-old said. “I love you all. Thank you.”
Trump, who took delight in the gesture, hugged Suzuki from behind. They shook hands before the latter left the podium.
“What a job he did. I didn’t know that was going to happen,” Trump said.
Suzuki’s gesture immediately went viral online, sparking mixed reactions. One fan on Twitter said that it made them feel “sick and sad.”
Others defended Suzuki by citing the First Amendment and pointing out that he is free to express himself.
In text messages to USA Today Sports, Suzuki explained that he was “just trying to have some fun” when he pulled out and donned the MAGA hat.
“It was amazing. That was the president. Just trying to have some fun,” he told the outlet. “Everybody makes everything political. It was about our team winning the World Series.”
Suzuki was not the only National player to express support for Trump, however. Ryan Zimmerman, the team’s first draft pick in 2005, gave Trump a customized No. 45 jersey.
“This is an incredible honor I’d like to think none of us will ever forget,” Zimmerman said. “We’d also like to thank you for keeping everyone here safe in our country and continuing to make America the greatest country to live in the world.”
