Hollywood actor and conservative firebrand Mel Gibson has ignited a political firestorm, urging Angelenos to “overthrow” California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass over their handling of wildfires and anti-ICE protests. In a fiery podcast appearance, Gibson accused the leaders of “incompetence” and “destructive decision-making,” doubling down on his long-standing criticism of Democratic leadership in the state 36. But how valid are his claims? Here’s a fact-checked breakdown.
Gibson’s Explosive Allegations: Wildfires and “Rampant Lawlessness”
Wildfire Mismanagement Claims
Gibson, who lost his home in the 2025 Palisades Fire, has repeatedly blamed Newsom and Bass for poor disaster response. “They’ve proven their incompetence,” he declared, referencing delayed evacuations and resource shortages during the January blazes 6.
Fact Check:
- California’s wildfire response is a shared federal-state responsibility, with climate change exacerbating conditions.
- Newsom allocated $2.7B for wildfire prevention in 2024, though critics argue implementation lagged .
Anti-ICE Protests and Civil Unrest
Gibson’s latest outrage targets protests against ICE raids that turned violent in June 2025, with looting and highway blockades. He claimed leaders “fueled anarchy” by not deploying police swiftly .
Fact Check:
- Bass imposed curfews and condemned violence, while Newsom sued Trump for federalizing the National Guard without state consent.
- LAPD reported 127 arrests during protests, but Gibson’s “overthrow” rhetoric lacks legal grounding .
Political Backlash and Reactions
Newsom’s Retort
A Newsom spokesperson dismissed Gibson: “Playing a cop in movies doesn’t make him a public safety expert”.
Fox News Amplification
Gibson’s remarks were amplified by Fox’s Raymond Arroyo, who likened protests to “dereliction of duty”. Meanwhile, progressive groups labeled Gibson’s comments as “reckless” amid tensions.
Legal and Historical Context
Can Leaders Be “Overthrown”?
- California’s recall process requires petition signatures (12% of last gubernatorial vote). Newsom survived a 2021 recall; no active effort exists now 6.
- Gibson’s rhetoric mirrors far-right “Saving California” movements, which lack broad support.
Trump’s Role
Trump’s deployment of Marines to L.A. was blocked by courts but temporarily allowed—a rare federal-state clash.
Closing Quote
“Gibson’s Hollywood heroics don’t translate to policy solutions,” said UC Berkeley political analyst Dr. Elena Torres. “Leadership critiques need substance, not slogans.”
FAQ Section
1. Has Mel Gibson endorsed a Newsom recall?
Yes, he joined the “Saving California” campaign in February 2025.
2. How did Bass respond to the protests?
She imposed curfews and backed peaceful demonstrations while condemning violence.
3. Is Gibson’s call to “overthrow” legal?
No. Elected officials can only be removed via recalls or elections.
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