Oscar-winning actor and director Mel Gibson sharply criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their response to the violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, citing their repeated leadership failures during crises.
Speaking on Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo’s “Arroyo Grande” podcast, Gibson pointed to the two politicians’ mishandling of both the January wildfires and recent civil unrest:
“Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass have already proven their incompetence and poor leadership during the Los Angeles wildfires. Now, as we experience rampant lawlessness and civil unrest, it’s never been more clear. They’re unable to respond effectively and responsibly during calamity.”
Gibson expressed frustration with what he called “destructive decision-making masquerading as leadership.” He urged Angelenos to demand better governance, questioning: “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?”
Gibson, who lost his home in the Palisades Fire in January, has emerged as a vocal critic of California’s leadership. In February, he joined the “Saving California” recall movement and appeared at a press conference in Altadena, reiterating that Newsom and Bass lacked preparation and foresight:
“We deserve much more and much better… Was it incompetence? Was it indifference, complacency, carelessness? Was it negligence? Absolutely.”
Appointed earlier this year as a special ambassador to Hollywood by President Trump, Gibson has since become a high-profile voice for accountability in state leadership. His criticism reflects growing public dissatisfaction over the handling of natural disasters and civil unrest in California.
Mel Gibson’s critique adds to a growing chorus of prominent voices condemning California’s left-wing leadership for failing to maintain law and order. His comments resonate with many residents who feel abandoned by politicians more focused on ideology than basic governance. In recent polls, public dissatisfaction with crime and homelessness in California has surged, further highlighting the disconnect between state leaders and the citizens they serve.
As a longtime Hollywood figure, Gibson’s willingness to speak out defies the industry’s usual silence on Democratic failures. His advocacy with the Saving California movement and open alignment with President Donald Trump signal a broader cultural shift, where celebrities increasingly challenge the political status quo. Gibson’s message taps into a deep frustration among Californians yearning for accountability and change.
