Trump Praises Braves Organization, Mocks Mets’ Spending at Georgia Event with Snitker
Trump praised the Braves' organizational management and criticized the Mets' high payroll at a Georgia event with former manager Brian Snitker, highlighting what he called a contrast in competence between the two franchises.
President Donald Trump took aim at the New York Mets' roster struggles and lauded the Atlanta Braves' organizational stability Wednesday during an event in Marietta, Georgia, where he appeared alongside former Braves manager Brian Snitker and Mike Plant, president and CEO of Braves Development Company.
Trump spotlighted the contrast between the two franchises' financial approaches. "The Mets have the highest salary in baseball, and they lose all the time," Trump said at the event. "This guy never rebuilds. He just stays at the top. He's amazing." The president also suggested the Braves' leadership could be valuable to other organizations, saying "Maybe we can steal this guy."
Plant's role focuses primarily on the Braves' real estate operations, overseeing projects including The Battery mixed-use development and the club's spring training facility. Atlanta's baseball operations fall under general manager and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos.
During the event, the crowd performed the "Tomahawk Chop" gesture, a regional celebration that has drawn criticism from some Native American groups for cultural insensitivity. Trump encouraged the crowd to continue the gesture and participated himself. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred defended the practice in 2021, citing support from the Native American community in the Atlanta region.
Snitker, 70, retired last season after leading the Braves to six consecutive National League East titles, a 2021 World Series championship, and a 2023 pennant. He now serves in an advisory capacity and was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in April. Trump incorrectly stated during the event that Snitker had been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Braves appearance precedes a White House visit by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, following their 2025 World Series victory. The Dodgers will be visiting the White House for the second time under the Trump administration.
Trump has previously positioned himself as influential in baseball matters. In June, he sided with MLB owners in ongoing labor negotiations, advocating for a salary cap that the players' union has resisted. "If you don't have a salary cap, you don't have a sport," Trump told reporters.
