Phil Mickelson, one of golf’s most celebrated figures, has once again found himself at the center of a political storm. On October 22 and 23, 2025, the six-time major champion took to social media to express his frustration over immigration, crime, and Democratic policies, igniting heated debate across the political spectrum. His comments, delivered in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), have drawn both fierce criticism and applause, highlighting the deep divisions in American political discourse.
The controversy began when New York congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, posted a message urging the New York Police Department to intervene if federal agents engage in unlawful conduct. Goldman’s post read, “No one is above the law — not ICE, not CBP, and not Donald Trump. Federal agents who assault or detain New Yorkers without legal authority must be held accountable and the NYPD must protect our neighbors if the federal government refuses to.” According to Express, this call for local law enforcement to check federal power was seen by some as a principled defense of civil liberties, but it also sparked backlash from those who view it as undermining immigration enforcement.
Mickelson, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and an increasingly vocal critic of Democratic leaders, responded with a pointed rebuke. “This is amazing. You can threaten to arrest federal officers, ignore victim’s needs, but illegals committing crimes are free to go. You don’t even see the problem here. THAT’S THE PROBLEM!!” he wrote, as reported by Express and GB News. The golfer’s post quickly went viral, with supporters cheering his candor and critics accusing him of stoking division and offering a one-sided take on a complex issue.
As the online debate intensified, Mickelson was pressed by other users about his views on the detention of individuals by federal agents. He doubled down, stating, “Illegally is how they entered the country not their detainment.” This remark, highlighted by Express, further fueled the controversy, with some accusing him of conflating immigration status with due process rights.
Mickelson’s comments didn’t stop at immigration. He also expressed support for Daniel Penny, the army veteran who was acquitted of homicide after placing an unarmed Black homeless man in a fatal chokehold on the New York City subway. “And a hero like Daniel Penny who saved lives is prosecuted. I can’t even take you serious,” Mickelson declared, referencing a case that has sharply divided public opinion. Supporters of Penny argue he acted to protect fellow passengers, while critics say the incident reflects deeper issues of racial bias and the criminalization of homelessness.
The golfer’s online activism extended to other hot-button topics. Days before his immigration comments, Mickelson pleaded with Donald Trump to “save” San Francisco, responding to Trump’s threat to send National Guard troops to the city to address what he described as rampant crime. California Governor Gavin Newsom had publicly rejected the idea, insisting, “nobody wants” federal troops in San Francisco. Mickelson, however, countered, “This isn’t true at all. We are begging for him to come save this former great city (and more),” according to Express. His remarks reflected a growing chorus of conservative voices who argue that Democratic-led cities are failing to maintain public safety and order.
Mickelson also weighed in on recent No Kings protests against Trump, which saw millions of Americans take to the streets to voice concerns about the current administration and its policies. He criticized the demonstrations, writing, “On this special day as we all gather to fight against blanket auto pen pardons and executive orders, lawlessness, and stealing citizen’s resources for illegal non citizens, I believe it has worked.” Instead, he praised a peaceful gathering that honored Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator who was fatally shot at an event in Utah the previous month. “With all these people no one is lying in streets blocking traffic, no violence, no fires or looting. Just a peaceful gathering to honour a special man,” Mickelson posted, contrasting the event with what he described as lawless protests.
His social media activity didn’t end with law enforcement and crime. On October 22, 2025, Mickelson turned his attention to Democratic economic policies, responding directly to a video posted by the Democratic Party’s official page. In the video, Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger promised to lower the cost of living for residents across her state if elected, pledging to focus on affordable housing, health care, and energy. Mickelson was unconvinced. “Your intent is noble. Your policies do the opposite of your intent,” he wrote. He went on to criticize the Affordable Care Act, claiming it “sent health care costs soaring and needed govt subsidies to mask the real catastrophe that it is.”
His critiques extended to other Democratic priorities. “Investment in alternative energies are great and necessary but not economically practical to overtake fossil fuels, and ultimately raises energy costs,” Mickelson argued. He also took aim at rent control policies, saying, “Your rent control policies on housing only reduce the number of low cost housing being built thereby raising prices.” Summing up his position, he concluded, “Your heart is in the right place but what works is not always what sounds good.” These comments, reported by Express, reflect a broader skepticism among conservatives about the effectiveness of progressive economic measures.
Mickelson’s recent posts are just the latest in a string of outspoken statements targeting Democratic leaders. In September, he called for Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota to be deported, writing, “Ilhan spews hate every time she opens her mouth, she came here fraudulently and will hopefully be sent back to Somalia soon.” Earlier in May, he labeled Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer a “traitor” to the United States, as noted by Express.
Reactions to Mickelson’s comments have been predictably polarized. Supporters praise his willingness to speak out, arguing that he gives voice to frustrations felt by many Americans who believe the country is moving in the wrong direction. Critics, meanwhile, accuse him of oversimplifying complex issues and fueling partisan rancor. Some social media users challenged Mickelson directly, accusing him of representing “one side of a political agenda” and “refusing to see both sides” of the debate.
In the end, Mickelson’s foray into political commentary underscores the ways in which celebrity voices can amplify—and sometimes inflame—national debates. Whether his interventions will move the needle on public policy remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that the golf icon’s words have struck a nerve. As the country heads toward another election season, the intersection of sports, politics, and social media is likely to remain a battleground where passions run high and opinions are anything but muted.
