Trump says keeping Pete Rose out of Hall of Fame is a 'disservice'
Trump calls Rose Hall exclusion a disservice
President Donald Trump reaffirmed Friday that Pete Rose deserves induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, calling his exclusion a disservice to the late slugger's on-field achievements. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated, "I think Pete Rose should have been in the Baseball Hall of Fame a long time ago," adding, "I think baseball did a great disservice by not respecting his achievements on the field."
Rose, MLB's career hits leader with 4,256, died in September 2024 at age 83 from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He received a lifetime ban in 1990 for gambling on baseball games, including wagers on his Cincinnati Reds to win while serving as player and manager. Rose admitted the betting in 2004 after years of denials and, 10 days before his death, predicted he would enter the Hall only posthumously, if at all.
Trump voiced support for Rose on Truth Social in March 2025, vowing a pardon and urging MLB to induct him despite the delay following his death. He met MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in April 2025 to discuss Rose's candidacy. Manfred removed Rose from the ineligible list in May 2025, citing Trump's backing among multiple factors in the owners meeting decision.
Manfred noted, "The president was one of a number of voices that was supportive of the idea that this was the right decision," while emphasizing other input. The change clears Rose for potential posthumous Hall of Fame consideration by voting bodies.
