A political firestorm erupted today after Trump White House Press Secretary nominee Karoline Leavitt launched an astonishing on-air attack against golf superstar Rory McIlroy, dismissing Northern Ireland as “a country that’s not even on the map”.
The controversy began when Buckingham Palace issued a rare personal statement from King Charles III congratulating McIlroy on his emotional 2025 Open Championship victory at Royal Portrush – the first time The Open had returned to Northern Ireland in 73 years – and praising him for “bringing glory to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland through sporting excellence”.
Appearing on Fox News hours later, Leavitt went off-script:
“Let’s be real – he’s just a golfer from a country that’s not even on the map and doesn’t deserve my respect. All this royal praise for some guy hitting a ball into a hole while real Americans are suffering? Give me a break.”
The clip went viral instantly. Within minutes, #NorthernIrelandIsOnTheMap was trending worldwide, alongside furious reactions from both sides of the Atlantic.
Then Rory McIlroy responded.
Live on BBC Radio 5 Live from his Florida home, the four-time major champion was asked about Leavitt’s comments.
He paused for three seconds, then delivered twelve words with ice-cold precision:
“My country’s on the map. Your manners clearly aren’t. God bless.”
He hung up.
The studio erupted. Social media exploded. The clip has already surpassed 140 million views in under six hours.
Karoline Leavitt was reportedly seen crying in the Fox News green room moments after the interview ended, according to network insiders. She later posted – and quickly deleted – a tearful apology video, claiming her words were “taken out of context”.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill called the remarks “disgraceful and ignorant”, while DUP leader Gavin Robinson demanded a full apology, stating: “Northern Ireland is proudly part of the United Kingdom – something Rory McIlroy has represented with distinction his entire life.”
Even Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social:
“Rory is a great golfer and a good friend. Karoline made a mistake. Big apology coming!”
Buckingham Palace declined to comment further, but sources say the King was “deeply disappointed” by the attack on a sportsman he personally congratulated.
Rory later added a single Instagram story – a photo of the Claret Jug against the Northern Irish coastline – captioned:
“Born in Holywood. Proud of where I’m from. Always will be. 🇬🇧🇮🇪”
Twelve words from a golfer reminded the world that some lines should never be crossed.
And this time, the entire United Kingdom stood as one behind its champion. 🏆💚
