Golf Icon Phil Mickelson Explains Why Democrats Won’t Fight Fraud and Illegal Immigration

President Donald Trump used his New Year’s Eve remarks at Mar-a-Lago to highlight what he described as massive fraud involving Somali-linked programs in Minnesota and other states, telling attendees that his administration intends to recover stolen taxpayer funds and investigate the full scope of the scheme.

Speaking Wednesday night during the New Year’s Eve celebration at his Palm Beach home, President Trump addressed the issue while wearing a black tuxedo and mingling with guests.

“Can you imagine? They stole $18 billion,” Trump said while addressing attendees.

“It was a giant scam. Other than that, we’re going to have a great New Year.”

Trump then told his guests, “We’re going to get that money back. It’s all coming back.”

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The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of alleged large-scale fraud involving government programs in Minnesota, where multiple investigations have focused on the misuse of public funds tied to nonprofit organizations and social service providers.

While Trump did not outline specific investigative steps during the remarks, he signaled that the issue would remain a priority for his administration.

The comments drew attention from public figures outside of politics, including professional golfer Phil Mickelson, who weighed in on the issue of taxpayer-funded fraud and government accountability.

Mickelson responded to comments from Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA), who has repeatedly raised concerns about fraud in California.

Reacting to discussions about how state and federal governments respond to misuse of public funds, Mickelson criticized proposals that prioritize new taxes over recovering stolen money.

“Instead of stopping the fraud and theft and getting back the money, the plan is more taxes for already the highest taxed citizens in the country,” Mickelson wrote.

Instead of stopping the fraud and theft and getting back the money, the plan is more taxes for already the highest taxed citizens in the country ‍♂️ https://t.co/AqbdPJUwMq

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) January 1, 2026

Mickelson expanded on his criticism by arguing that addressing fraud, illegal immigration, and voter-related issues would fundamentally alter the political landscape, particularly in states long dominated by Democrats.

“The dilemma for all Democrats is if you stop the fraud, illegal immigration, and voter fraud in CA,” Mickelson wrote, “then Republicans win CA and have a huge majority throughout the country.”

“The Democrat party all but ends.”

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.

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) January 1, 2026

The golfer also responded to a proposed new tax on billionaires in California, arguing that additional taxes would not solve the underlying problem if fraud remains unchecked.

“How about no new taxes until government gets rid of fraud,” Mickelson added. “Until that happens more taxes will only fund more fraud.”

How about no new taxes until government gets rid of fraud. Until that happens more taxes will only fund more fraud ‍♂️ https://t.co/x58zQXv9cl

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) January 1, 2026

Mickelson has previously spoken publicly about political and policy issues, often using social media to share his views.

In September, he directed sharp criticism at Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, posting on X, “lhan spews hate every time she opens her mouth, she came here fraudulently and will hopefully be sent back to Somalia soon.”

Ilhan spews hate every time she opens her mouth, she came here fraudulently and will hopefully be sent back to Somalia soon. https://t.co/2kOhBM1abS

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 20, 2025

The renewed focus on alleged fraud comes as lawmakers and federal agencies continue to face pressure to explain how billions of dollars in taxpayer funds were distributed and monitored across multiple states.

In Minnesota, ongoing investigations have centered on whether oversight failures allowed fraudulent claims and improper payments to continue for years without adequate intervention.

Trump’s remarks at Mar-a-Lago signal that the issue will remain part of his administration’s public messaging as it moves into the new year, particularly as debates continue over government spending, taxation, and enforcement of existing laws.

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