Golfing icon Phil Mickelson has plunged into a heated political controversy, making strong allegations about widespread fraud in his home state of California. His comments have added fuel to a debate recently reignited by former US President Donald Trump and a viral video about Minnesota.
Mickelson's Blunt Critique and Political Warning
In a series of social media posts, Mickelson did not mince words. He stated that the scale of problems in California is so vast that it makes recent fraud claims in Minnesota appear "amateur." The golfer, a known supporter of Donald Trump, first directed his criticism at California's Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom.
"Every Californian owes a huge debt of gratitude to President Trump and the entire administration for overriding Gavin’s self destruction and sabotage of our state’s energy infrastructure," Mickelson wrote. He followed this with a broader political warning aimed at the Democratic Party.
"The dilemma for all Democrats is if you stop the fraud, illegal immigration, and voter fraud in CA, then Republicans win CA and have a huge majority throughout the country. The Democrat party all but ends," he asserted. Mickelson then posed a provocative question to taxpayers, asking if funding a state government accused of fraud makes them complicit.
The Spark: Trump's Claims and a Viral Video
Mickelson's outburst came shortly after Donald Trump amplified similar views on his social media platform. Trump called Minnesota a "center of fraud" but suggested California might be even worse. "There is more FRAUD in California than there is in Minnesota, if that is even possible," Trump wrote.
He further claimed, "When you add in Election Fraud, then they are tied for first. Two Crooked Governors, two Crooked States!" This discussion was triggered by a viral video from YouTuber Nick Shirley. The video alleged that several daycare centers in Minneapolis were receiving public funds without providing actual services.
Link to a Federal Fraud Indictment
The public debate has also drawn renewed attention to a recent federal case involving a former top aide to Governor Newsom. In December 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Dana Williamson, Newsom's former chief of staff, on campaign fraud charges.
Prosecutors allege that Williamson and others moved $225,000 from a dormant campaign account linked to Xavier Becerra. They are also accused of falsely reporting over $1.7 million in business expenses. The indictment lists extravagant items, including a charter jet flight, an expensive trip to Mexico, and a luxury handbag.
Newsom's office placed Williamson on leave in November 2024, and she resigned the following month. It is crucial to note that all these allegations remain claims within court filings and have not been proven in a trial.
The convergence of a sports celebrity's comments, a former president's allegations, and an ongoing federal investigation has created a perfect storm, putting claims of governmental fraud in California and Minnesota under intense public scrutiny.
