West LA Times

American actor Mel Gibson criticized California politicians Karen Bass and Gavin Newsom, stating they "do not care about the state's citizens" and were "insensitive in their management of the wildfire disaster." This statement was made on Fox News on January 16.

“I came to realize that it was monumental mismanagement by our elected officials; and that’s the nicest thing you can say about it,” Gibson said. “As a citizen here, Newsom and [Los Angeles Mayor Karen] Bass, they want us to trust them to reimagine the city, our city, and how they think it should be. I mean, look at what they’ve done so far to this town. You got nothing but rampant crime, acute homelessness, high taxes, mismanagement of water, firefighters, defunding the department, and we’re supposed to trust them with millions of dollars to sort of remake where we live? Then you realize that your elected leaders … you don’t trust them. … And is it going to happen again? A lot of people just want to move on.”

A recall effort for Governor Newsom is currently underway, with more than 165,000 signatures gathered in a petition calling for the resignation of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as of January 27. Criticism over the Democratic leaders' lack of preparedness intensified when fire hydrants ran dry at the peak of the firestorm in Pacific Palisades. The Eaton Fire in Alta Dena, which severely impacted homes at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, has raised questions about California's forest management policies. Additionally, Bass is facing backlash for being in Ghana when the fires broke out, despite having said that as Mayor of Los Angeles, she would not travel internationally, according to Newsweek.

According to The Hill, instead of focusing on imminent natural disasters in Los Angeles amid warnings from wildfire professionals, California government officials prioritized allocating resources to "Trump-proofing" the state. They reportedly ignored warning signs and failed to fireproof the state while diverting funds into various other programs unrelated to disaster relief.

Cal Fire reports that as of January 27, the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which began on January 7, are 95% and 99% contained respectively. The Palisades Fire has burned 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, damaged 1,017 others, and resulted in 12 fatalities and three injuries. The Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres, destroyed 9,418 structures, damaged 1,073 others, and caused 17 fatalities. Santa Ana winds and drought conditions combined with heavy brush from two previous years of heavy rains exacerbated the fires. Investigations into their causes are ongoing.

Mel Gibson is known for his work as an actor, film director, and producer. He starred in films such as Braveheart, Lethal Weapon, and Mad Max. Gibson won an Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture for Braveheart in 1995. In addition to acting and directing roles like The Passion of the Christ and Hacksaw Ridge have been part of his career achievements.