Phil Mickelson Addresses Fraud Concerns in California

Golf icon Phil Mickelson has shared his views on the alleged fraud occurring in his home state of California through a series of social media updates.

During a New Year’s Eve event, former President Donald Trump remarked that the fraud problems in California, New York, and Illinois surpass the recently identified welfare fraud in Minnesota.

Mickelson reacted by posting an “X” in response to comments made by Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., on Fox Business and subsequently on CNN. Kiley criticized California’s proposed billionaire tax, labeling it as fraught with fraud.

Mickelson stated, “No amount of tax money can help CA unless the fraud issue is resolved. CA’s fraud makes MN look like an amateur.” He expressed frustration over the state’s plan to impose more taxes, saying, “Instead of stopping the fraud and theft and getting your money back, they plan to impose even more taxes on a population that already has the highest taxes in the country.”

Later, in response to a local opinion piece regarding the billionaire tax, Mickelson suggested that new taxes should not be introduced until the government addresses fraud. He argued, “Until that happens, more taxes will only fund more fraud.”

In another post, he pointed out that addressing fraud could negatively impact Democratic votes, saying, “The dilemma for all Democrats is that if we stop fraud, illegal immigration, and voter fraud in California, Republicans will win California and a supermajority nationally, all but ending the Democratic Party.”

On the same day, Trump posted on Truth Social, further noting the alleged fraud in California and mentioned both Governor Gavin Newsom and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, emphasizing that California’s issues were more severe than Minnesota’s. Trump quipped, “If that were possible, California has more fraud than Minnesota. Add in election fraud and they’re tied for first place. Two corrupt governors, two corrupt states!”

Governor Newsom’s office responded sharply, labeling Trump as an “insane, habitual liar” and emphasizing the efforts made to combat fraud. The statement claimed that Newsom has halted over $125 billion in fraud, arrested criminals exploiting taxpayers, and defended against the types of fraud that Trump seems to support.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday that it would be freezing all child care payments to California due to growing concerns over fraud allegations involving child care centers statewide.