On April 15, 2025, Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred met with President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss various baseball-related issues.

The meeting was first reported by The Washington Post and follows Manfred's previous visits to the White House.

Jeffrey Lenkov, a former lawyer for Rose, filed a petition on January 8, 2025, seeking to reinstate Rose's Hall of Fame eligibility, which Manfred had previously denied in 2015.

Rose's ban from baseball originated from his betting activities while managing the Cincinnati Reds from 1985 to 1987.

Trump's discussions about Rose's pardon reflect ongoing debates about the implications of his past actions on his legacy in baseball.

This visit follows Trump's remarks in February about the possibility of pardoning Rose, further emphasizing his commitment to the issue.

MLB confirmed the meeting and highlighted Trump's long-standing admiration for baseball, noting his passion for the sport.

During this meeting, Trump reiterated his intentions to pardon baseball legend Pete Rose, who has been ineligible for the Hall of Fame due to his ban.

Trump claimed on Truth Social that he would sign a complete pardon for Rose, emphasizing that Rose only bet on his team to win.

Trump's interest in pardoning Rose stems from his previous legal troubles, including a five-month prison sentence for tax evasion after pleading guilty to filing false tax returns.

Pete Rose, a 17-time All-Star, holds several Major League Baseball records but has been banned from the Hall of Fame due to gambling allegations.

Manfred appreciated the opportunity for the meeting, which underscores the intersection of sports and politics.