Astro-nuts for MLB champs

President Trump recognized the Houston Astros on Monday for their first World Series championship, an “incredible victory” that Trump said was even more special following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

Trump thanked the players for spending time with people who were displaced by Harvey’s floodwaters, and for donating money.

White House visits by championship sports teams have become politically fraught in the age of Trump. More than two dozen New England Patriots stayed away when the Super Bowl-winning team visited in 2017, and the NBA champion Golden State Warriors avoided the White House last month.

At least three Astros were absent Monday, but two previously had cited family reasons for why they would skip the event.

TRUMP’S ‘BASE : President Trump welcomes José Altuve and the World Series champion Astros to the White House Monday. He hailed the players for their help during Hurricane Harvey in Houston.