The devastating wildfires that recently swept through Southern California have left communities in ruins. The Palisades and Eaton fires together destroyed over 16,000 homes and businesses, scorching more than 37,000 acres of land. Twenty-nine people lost their lives in the catastrophic blazes that ravaged Los Angeles County neighborhoods.

Many residents are still sifting through the ashes of what once were their homes. The emotional and financial toll continues to mount as affected communities struggle to rebuild.

Some are now pointing fingers at state leadership for what they see as failures in preparation and response.

Among those who lost everything is Academy Award-winning actor and director Mel Gibson. Indeed, the Braveheart star’s Malibu home was completely destroyed in the Palisades Fire. Now, he’s speaking out against what he calls “gross mismanagement” by California’s top officials.

Gibson Calls Out Newsom’s ‘Incompetence’

Gibson joined the organization “Saving California” at a news conference in Altadena Wednesday. There, he lent his voice to efforts aimed at recalling California Governor Gavin Newsom (D). The actor didn’t mince words when addressing the government’s handling of the disaster.

“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,” Gibson said, referring to Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

The Hollywood veteran specifically blamed Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass for failing to prevent the catastrophic damage. When asked about the nature of the failures, Gibson was blunt in his assessment.

“Was it incompetence…was it indifference, complacency, carelessness? Was it negligence? Absolutely,” Gibson declared to the crowd of supporters and media.

Isn’t it ironic that Californians pay some of the highest taxes in the nation, yet when disaster strikes, the state seems woefully unprepared? One has to wonder how many more disasters it will take before citizens demand real accountability.

Mel Gibson speaks at Newsom recall event 🔥

“Governor Newsom and Karen Bass let us all down.”

“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.” pic.twitter.com/jwH61x4EYG

— TONY™ (@TONYxTWO) February 27, 2025

California’s Broader Problems

Gibson’s criticism extended beyond the fire response to what he sees as a pattern of failed leadership in the Golden State. The actor, who was recently appointed by President Donald Trump as a special ambassador to Hollywood, painted a grim picture of California under Newsom’s leadership.

“Newsom has brought us nothing but rampant crime, acute homelessness, horrendous inflation,” Gibson stated. This echoed concerns many conservatives have expressed about progressive governance in the state.

Despite the challenges, Gibson explained that unlike many celebrities who have packed their bags and left California, he has chosen to stay and fight for change. During a January appearance on “Hannity,” Gibson acknowledged the exodus but expressed hope that Hollywood “can be fixed.”

The mass departure of businesses and residents from California speaks volumes about the real-world impact of progressive policies. When even liberal Hollywood types are fleeing the state, you know something has gone terribly wrong with its governance.

'NOTHING LEFT': Legendary filmmaker Mel Gibson tells @IngrahamAngle that he's lost his home in the Los Angeles wildfires, and later says his only message to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is that he should "spend less on hair gel." pic.twitter.com/bz7PGC1i8Z

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 11, 2025

Calls For Federal Oversight

Gibson also raised concerns about federal aid to California, suggesting that proper oversight is needed before taxpayer dollars are sent to the state.

“A federal investigation should be required if federal aid is going to be given to California,” Gibson stated, emphasizing the need for accountability in how disaster relief funds are managed.

The actor, who will focus on tax incentives in his role as Trump’s special envoy to Hollywood, argued that Newsom’s current plans aren’t “working” to keep the entertainment industry in California. Many production companies have relocated to states with more favorable tax policies and fewer regulations.

Gibson made sure to praise the firefighters who battled the blazes, making clear distinction between frontline responders and political leadership.

“The firefighters, I have to say they were practically in tears. You know why? Because they thought they had let us down,” Gibson said. “I want to say loudly right here: You did not let us down.”

Mel Gibson’s message to Gavin Newsom: “Spend less on hair gel.” 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/MBz0spdcmc

— Tiffany Fong (@TiffanyFong_) January 11, 2025

This contrast between heroic first responders and ineffective politicians couldn’t be clearer. While firefighters risked their lives to save homes, where was the leadership that should have ensured proper preparation and resources?

Key Takeaways:

• Mel Gibson joins “Saving California” recall effort after losing his Malibu home in devastating fires.
• Gibson directly blames Governor Newsom’s “gross mismanagement” for inadequate wildfire preparation and response.
• As Trump’s special ambassador to Hollywood, Gibson advocates for federal oversight of California aid.
• The actor’s criticism highlights broader conservative concerns about California’s governance under progressive leadership.

Sources: Fox News, Fox News, Daily Wire