Golf legend Phil Mickelson has ignited a political firestorm after declaring that Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) should be “sent back to Somalia” in response to her recent criticism of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s legacy.
The comments came during a heated discussion where Mickelson was asked about the growing debate surrounding Kirk, who recently passed away and has been remembered by supporters as a bold voice for conservative values. Omar, however, publicly challenged that view, arguing that Kirk’s work left behind division and misinformation.
Mickelson’s sharp response immediately spread across social media, drawing both praise and condemnation. Supporters of Kirk and conservative figures applauded Mickelson for “defending Kirk’s legacy without apology.” Critics, however, blasted the golfer’s remarks as xenophobic and deeply offensive, pointing out that Omar is a U.S. citizen who has served in Congress since 2019.
Political analysts say Mickelson’s words highlight how sports figures who step into the political arena often face consequences far beyond the playing field. “This is not just about one controversial statement,” one commentator noted. “It’s about a famous athlete using his platform to amplify rhetoric that touches on race, identity, and patriotism.”
Omar has not issued a direct reply to Mickelson’s remarks but her allies quickly rallied in her defense. Fellow lawmakers condemned the statement as “dangerous” and “reckless,” arguing that such rhetoric fuels division and hostility. Advocacy groups also warned that language telling Americans of immigrant background to “go back” elsewhere has historically been used to marginalize minority communities.
Mickelson has yet to clarify or walk back his comments, but the backlash shows no signs of slowing down. Some observers worry the controversy could overshadow his golf career, which has already been under scrutiny in recent years due to his high-profile moves off the course.
The clash between Mickelson and Omar underscores the way cultural and political battles increasingly spill over into sports, entertainment, and beyond. For many, it also raises a broader question: should public figures in sports use their platforms to wade into the nation’s most divisive debates — or stay out of the political fray altogether?
