Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki dons MAGA hat during White House visit

Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki donned a Make America Great Again hat during the team’s Monday visit to the White House in celebration of their recent World Series win over the Houston Astros. Trump hugged Suzuki for the gesture, telling the crowd in attendance that it was unexpected.

Remember when a sports team’s visit to the White House was nothing more than a photo op?

Simpler times, no matter your political affiliation.

It was the Washington Nationals’ turn Monday after winning the World Series, and catcher Kurt Suzuki surprised even President Donald Trump when he threw on a red baseball cap before stepping to the podium.

There wasn’t a curly W on it, but rather the words “Make America Great Again.” President Trump certainly approved.

I love you all. Thank you Mr. President," Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki says, putting on a “Make America Great Again” hat and prompting an awkward hug from Pres. Trump. https://t.co/35Zg7cQ9nU pic.twitter.com/3wmyPJdrAM

— ABC News (@ABC) November 4, 2019

Ryan Zimmerman presented Trump with a No. 45 Nationals jersey, and also showed the president his supporting, thanking him for “keeping everyone here safe in our country and continuing to make America the greatest country to live in the world.”

“Everyone fell in love with Nats baseball,” Trump said during the half-hour ceremony on the South Lawn. “That’s all they wanted to talk about — that and impeachment. I like Nats baseball more.”

President Trump attended Game 5 in Washington, and received a mixed reaction, including some boos and chants of “lock him up.” The Nationals won the series in seven games.

Suzuki insisted afterward he wasn’t necessarily making a political statement with the headgear.

“It was amazing. That was the president. Just trying to have some fun,” Suzuki told USA Today. “Everybody makes everything political. It was about our team winning the World Series.”