A Nationals player donned a ‘MAGA’ hat and Trump gave him an awkward hug in a confusing scene at the Nationals’ White House party

• President Trump hosted the Washington Nationals at the White House on Monday to celebrate the team’s World Series win over the Houston Astros.
• During the ceremoney, Trump invited Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki to the podium to say a few words.
• After Suzuki put on a “Make America Great Again” hat, Trump awkwardly hugged him from behind and grabbed at his chest.
• It’s just the latest in what has been a fairly regular series of awkward or viral moments between Trump and the sports world during his presidency.
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President Trump hosted the Washington Nationals at the White House on Monday to celebrate the team’s World Series win over the Houston Astros.

During the ceremony, Trump managed to keep his streak of awkward interactions with the sporting world alive.

At the podium, Trump invited Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki out to say a few words to the gathered crowd. While stepping across the stage, Suzuki donned a “Make America Great Again” hat and stretched his arms out wide in celebration. Trump, excited by Suzuki putting on the hat, approached him from behind and embraced him underneath his arms, grabbing at Suzuki’s chest.

“I love him! Awww, that’s so nice.” Trump said.

Suzuki said to the crowd, “I love you all,” and walked back off to the side of the stage.

“I didn’t know that was going to happen,” Trump said, of Suzuki’s moment.

—Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) November 4, 2019

On Twitter, fans reacted with confusion to the awkward embrace.

—a strange shrill to die on (@theshrillest) November 4, 2019

—Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) November 4, 2019

—Seth Mandel (@SethAMandel) November 4, 2019

—Mark ! ₿ ¡ 🧢 (@MarkTeMark) November 4, 2019

—Eloy Jiménez (@EloyGOAT) November 4, 2019

Trump’s time on stage with Suzuki is just the latest awkward moment in what has become a trend for the president since taking office.

From fast food feasts to social media standoffs, Trump’s relationship with sports has produced countless odd moments during his term.

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Still, this year’s celebration with the Nationals went over better with Trump than when the Houston Astros came to visit after their 2017 World Series win, during which the second baseman stared daggers at Trump as the president spoke.

While he received a warm embrace from the team on Monday, Trump isn’t universally popular amongst the Nationals or their fans.

At Game 5 of the World Series, Trump was loudly booed by the fans at Nationals Park, and even met with chants of “Lock Him Up!” when shown on the big screen.

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