San Francisco, CA – In the midst of escalating political tensions in California, golf legend Phil Mickelson has fired back vehemently against Governor Gavin Newsom’s assertion that “nobody wants President Trump in San Francisco.” Mickelson, a six-time major champion and icon of American golf, countered sharply: “This isn’t true at all. We are begging for him to come save this former great city, and more.”
Mickelson’s statement, posted on the X platform (formerly Twitter) this morning, has rapidly garnered millions of interactions and shares. This isn’t the first time the golfer has waded into political waters, but his direct rebuttal underscores a growing frustration among residents and public figures with the state’s leadership under Newsom.
Newsom’s original comment came during a press conference yesterday, where he dismissed rumors of a potential Trump visit to the Bay Area amid discussions on federal intervention in urban decay. “Nobody wants him here,” Newsom quipped, referencing ongoing issues like homelessness, crime, and economic stagnation that have plagued San Francisco. Critics argue these problems have worsened under Democratic policies, with tent encampments dotting once-pristine streets and businesses fleeing high taxes and regulations.
But Mickelson, a California native with deep ties to the state—he’s a longtime resident and has hosted events in the region—paints a starkly different picture. “San Francisco was once the crown jewel of the West Coast: innovative, vibrant, safe,” he elaborated in follow-up posts. “Now, it’s a shadow of itself. Shoplifting is rampant, fentanyl crises are out of control, and families are leaving in droves. We need bold leadership, not more of the same failed experiments.”
The golfer’s plea aligns with broader sentiments echoed by business leaders, law enforcement, and everyday citizens. Data from the San Francisco Police Department shows a 15% spike in property crimes last year alone, while the U.S. Census Bureau reports a net outflow of over 100,000 residents from the city since 2020. High-profile departures, including tech giants like Tesla relocating headquarters to Texas, highlight the exodus driven by what many call “progressive overreach.”
Mickelson isn’t alone in his call for Trump. Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly offered federal assistance, promising to deploy resources to “clean up” cities like San Francisco if reelected. During his presidency, Trump criticized California’s sanctuary policies and pushed for stricter immigration enforcement, which he claims would curb drug trafficking and gang violence contributing to urban blight.
Newsom’s office responded curtly to Mickelson’s remarks, labeling them “divisive rhetoric from out-of-touch celebrities.” Yet, polls tell a different story: A recent Emerson College survey found 52% of San Francisco voters open to federal help on homelessness and public safety, with only 38% fully supporting Newsom’s handling of the crisis.
Mickelson, known for his calculated risks on the course, is taking one off it. “Golf taught me resilience and precision,” he said. “California needs that now—precise solutions to real problems, not political games.” His intervention could galvanize conservative voices in a deeply blue state, potentially influencing midterm narratives or even the 2028 gubernatorial race.
As the debate rages, one thing is clear: San Francisco’s fate hangs in the balance. Will Newsom’s defiance hold, or will calls like Mickelson’s force a reckoning? Trump has yet to confirm any visit, but the invitation is out—and louder than ever.
