• Mel Gibson criticizes Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for poor handling of wildfires. He also criticizes them for recent violent protests in California.
• President Trump federally deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid unrest, sparking legal battles over control with Governor Newsom.
• Public opinion is divided. There are calls for stronger leadership and safety measures. However, concerns over civil rights and political tensions also exist.

Mel Gibson isn’t holding back. The iconic actor, known for his fierce characters and outspoken opinions, has launched a fiery critique of California’s top officials. He paints a grim picture of a state spiraling out of control under their watch. His frustration isn’t just about politics — it’s deeply personal. Gibson lost his home in the devastating wildfires that tore through the Palisades earlier this year. Now, watching the state wrestle with violent protests and escalating civil unrest, he’s questioning whether leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have the skill or will to protect the people they serve.

A History of Disaster and Discontent

Gibson’s anger traces back to the catastrophic wildfires that struck Southern California in January. The Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed homes and communities, including Gibson’s own. In the months that followed, he publicly criticized Newsom and Bass. He accused them of failing to act decisively to prevent or mitigate the fires’ impact.

But it’s not just the flames that have Gibson riled up. Last weekend, protests in Los Angeles—which began as demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement—descended into violent clashes, looting, and chaos. The actor saw the same pattern of poor leadership. He described the city and state’s response as an embarrassment. Speaking on Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo’s podcast, Gibson didn’t mince words: “Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass have already proven their incompetence and poor leadership during the Los Angeles wildfires,” he said. “Now, as we experience rampant lawlessness and civil unrest, it’s never been more clear.”

His tone was sharp, and his message clear. Gibson painted a stark picture of California caught in turmoil. He asked fellow residents: “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?”

Clashing Perspectives on Leadership and Responsibility

This isn’t the first time Gibson has stepped into the political arena. In February, he joined the movement calling for Newsom’s recall, appearing at press events to demand accountability. His criticisms went beyond fiery rhetoric. He questioned whether the leaders’ failures stemmed from incompetence, negligence, or worse — a careless indifference to the people’s safety. “There is absolutely no adequate excuse the governor or mayor can make for this gross mismanagement,” Gibson insisted.

Newsom’s office responded with a mix of dismissiveness and deflection. A spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “We know Mr. Gibson has played a cop in the movies, but that doesn’t make him a public safety expert. Perhaps he should stick to his day job.” The jab didn’t seem to faze Gibson, who has long been involved in Hollywood politics. He was once appointed a special ambassador to the industry by former President Donald Trump.

The Battle Over National Guard Control

Tensions escalated further when the unrest in Los Angeles prompted a controversial federal response. President Trump, citing the city’s spiraling violence, took the unprecedented step of federalizing California’s National Guard without the governor’s consent — a move unseen in six decades. He authorized the deployment of thousands of troops and Marines to help restore order.

Governor Newsom immediately fought back, filing legal challenges against the federal takeover. The courts initially sided with Newsom. They ordered the troops to be returned to state control. However, a federal appeals court issued a temporary block on that ruling, leaving the Guard under Trump’s control until a hearing was held.

The political standoff exposed deep divisions about how to handle the unrest and protect communities. Newsom and Bass condemned the violence but also criticized Trump’s heavy-handed approach. They emphasized support for immigrant communities and called for peaceful protests. Meanwhile, Trump’s hardline tactics fueled debate over federal versus state authority. They also ignited discussions about the role of law enforcement in moments of crisis.

Public Reaction: A State Divided

Californians’ reactions to the unfolding chaos have been mixed and passionate. Some agree with Gibson’s blunt critique, frustrated with what they see as weak leadership and a failure to keep communities safe. Social media platforms buzzed with calls to “take back California.” These calls echo Gibson’s demands for change.

Others sympathize with the challenges leaders face in balancing public safety with civil rights. This is especially true during times of political tension and social unrest. Many residents expressed fear for their safety but also concern about the militarization of their city and the targeting of immigrant populations.

Mayor Karen Bass, in response to the violence, imposed curfews in downtown Los Angeles. These measures aimed at curbing the worst outbreaks of rioting. The curfews have been extended multiple times, signaling that the city remains on edge. Bass also announced plans to run for re-election in 2026. She vowed to continue her efforts amid ongoing challenges.

Newsom, meanwhile, has confirmed he will not seek another term after 2026. His decision adds another layer of uncertainty to California’s political future. This open-ended leadership scenario has some citizens worried about who will steer the state through such turbulent times.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for California?

The recent turmoil and political clashes raise pressing questions about California’s future. With fires, protests, and political battles all happening at once, the state seems caught in a storm with no easy way out. Gibson’s call to action — to replace current leaders with those he deems competent and committed to traditional American values — resonates with a segment of the population desperate for stability.

Yet, the path forward will not be simple. The complex issues at play—racial tensions, immigration debates, disaster preparedness, and political power struggles—require thoughtful, nuanced leadership. The public’s demands for safety and order must be balanced with protecting civil liberties and addressing long-standing social inequalities.

As the state braces for more protests, political upheaval, and wildfire seasons ahead, Californians face tough decisions about who to trust and how to rebuild their communities. One thing is clear: the voices of anger and hope alike will shape the debate in the months to come.