Mel Gibson denounces California leaders’ response to wildfires and unrest, urges change as National Guard deployment faces legal battles.

Gibson Faults Newsom and Bass for Handling of Crises

Actor Mel Gibson has strongly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for what he describes as a pattern of failed leadership amid wildfires and ongoing civil unrest. Speaking on the "Arroyo Grande" podcast, Gibson—who lost his home in the January Palisades Fire—questioned the officials’ ability to manage crises and protect residents. "They’re unable to respond effectively and responsibly during calamity. Whether it's sheer incompetence or outright malevolence, the reality is stark," he said.

Gibson, a Trump-appointed special ambassador to Hollywood, highlighted the destructive consequences of what he called “destructive decision-making masquerading as leadership.” He addressed fellow residents, asking, “Why are Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass still in office? How much more of their destructive decision-making masquerading as leadership are we going to tolerate?”

In February, Gibson joined the Saving California movement in its recall campaign against Newsom, appearing at a press conference and stressing, “We deserve much more and much better, and there is absolutely no adequate excuse the governor or mayor can make for this gross mismanagement and failure to preemptively deal with what they knew was coming.”

Escalating Unrest and Legal Battles Over National Guard

The recent protests in Los Angeles, sparked by opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), escalated into rioting and looting last weekend. President Donald Trump responded by deploying 4,000 National Guard troops and 7,000 U.S. Marines to the city—the first time in six decades a president has federalized state guard troops without a governor’s request. Newsom challenged Trump’s order in court, and while a federal judge ruled against Trump, a federal appeals court has temporarily allowed the deployment to continue until a scheduled hearing.

Both Newsom and Bass have opposed the federal deployment, voicing support for immigrant communities and calling for peaceful protests while condemning violence. Mayor Bass ordered a curfew in parts of downtown Los Angeles, which has since been extended, as authorities work to restore order. Newsom, in his second term, will not seek re-election in 2026, while Bass has announced her intention to run again.

As legal and political battles play out, Gibson’s comments have added to the mounting pressure on California’s leadership. The debate over crisis management, public safety, and the balance of federal and state authority continues to dominate headlines as Los Angeles remains under heightened security and uncertainty.