UPDATE: Golf legend Phil Mickelson has taken to social media to voice his concerns over alleged fraud in California, responding to comments made by former President Donald Trump emphasizing the severity of the situation. This urgent discourse comes as the state faces scrutiny over a proposed billionaire’s tax amidst rampant fraud claims.
Earlier today, Trump declared during a New Year’s Eve event that fraud in California, New York, and Illinois surpasses the recently uncovered welfare fraud in Minnesota. Mickelson quickly reacted on X to remarks from Rep. Kevin Kiley, criticizing the proposed tax while fraud remains unaddressed. “No amount of tax can help CA until the fraud problem gets fixed. CA fraud makes MN look like amateurs,” he stated.
The urgency of Mickelson’s message resonates as Californians grapple with the implications of increased taxation. “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,” he added.
In response to a local opinion piece on the billionaire’s tax, Mickelson reiterated his stance. “How about no new taxes until government gets rid of fraud? Until that happens, more taxes will only fund more fraud,” he emphasized, highlighting the need for immediate action.
Moreover, Mickelson raised concerns about the political ramifications of addressing fraud. He suggested that resolving issues like illegal immigration and voter fraud could jeopardize the Democratic Party’s hold in California, stating, “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.”
Trump further amplified allegations of fraud in California via a Truth Social post, asserting, “There is more FRAUD in California than there is in Minnesota, if that is even possible.” He referenced California Governor Gavin Newsom and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is currently embroiled in a fraud scandal in his state.
“Two Crooked Governors, two Crooked States!” Trump added, intensifying the controversy.
In a swift rebuttal, Newsom’s office responded on X, labeling Trump a “deranged, habitual liar” and defending his record against fraud. “Since taking office, he’s blocked over $125 billion in fraud, arrested criminal parasites leaching off of taxpayers, and protected taxpayers from the exact kind of scam artists Trump celebrates,” the statement read.
Amid these heated exchanges, the US Department of Health and Human Services announced it would freeze all childcare payments to Minnesota, further highlighting the national scrutiny over fraud in social services.
This developing situation underscores the urgency for California’s leadership to address fraud while balancing the complexities of tax policy. The implications of these discussions could resonate well beyond state lines as the nation watches how these issues unfold.
As these critical conversations continue, Mickelson’s outspoken remarks and the political fallout from Trump’s claims may shape the public discourse around taxation and fraud in California. Watch for further updates on this pressing issue as it develops.
