Mel Gibson criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for his response to the wildfires and supported a recall effort against him. Gibson accused Newsom of incompetence, indifference, and negligence in handling the fires. He also mocked Newsom's recovery plans, calling them 'bulls***.' Newsom's office responded, accusing the recall effort of exploiting the victims of the fires for political gain. The recall effort must collect around 15 million signatures within 160 days to schedule a vote on the matter.