Mel Gibson Responds To Trump’s L.A. Visit To See Wildfire Damage

Mel Gibson Responds To Trump’s L.A. Visit To See Wildfire Damage

Legendary actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson, a longtime Los Angeles resident, had a lighthearted reaction to President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the wildfire-stricken city.

Trump arrived in California on Friday evening after meeting earlier that day with Hurricane Helene survivors in western North Carolina. During his visits, the president pledged full federal support for recovery efforts and encouraged California’s Democratic leaders to work with him on rebuilding strategies.

Upon landing at LAX, Trump toured the devastation caused by the Pacific Palisades fire, which scorched over 23,000 acres. He met with local residents to hear their concerns about the recovery process and the timeline for rebuilding their communities.

Later that evening, Trump hosted a roundtable discussion with state and Los Angeles city officials, pressing Mayor Karen Bass on the delays residents were experiencing in obtaining permits to begin clearing debris from their destroyed properties.

Residents at the meeting voiced frustration over being told it could take six months to 18 months to start cleanup efforts.

“Six months is no good,” Trump remarked.

Mayor Bass responded by emphasizing her administration’s commitment to accelerating the process. “The number one thing that we are going to do immediately, and you will see this happen, is to clear out the debris,” she said. She also noted concerns about impending rain but assured residents the city was working to ensure their safety and expedite their return home.

Trump suggested that residents willing to clear debris themselves should be allowed to proceed, arguing it would save time compared to waiting for contractors. “You should let them do it because by the time you hire contractors, it’s going to be two years,” he said. “If people are willing to get a dumpster and do it themselves… there’s not that much left. It’s all incinerated.” He also encouraged Mayor Bass to utilize emergency powers to fast-track the process.

Following the meeting, Mayor Bass expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, posting on X, “Thank you, President Trump, for coming to Los Angeles to help us rebuild. We are grateful for your partnership.”

That evening, Gibson offered his humorous take on Trump’s assertive approach during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity.

“It’s like daddy arrived and he’s taking his belt off,” Gibson quipped. “I think he’ll get some results here quickly.”

Earlier this month, Gibson revealed in an interview with NewsNation that he had also lost his Malibu home to the wildfires.

“I’m doing good. You know, it’s just a thing. But it’s obviously kind of devastating. It’s emotional,” Gibson said, reflecting on the loss of his longtime residence and personal belongings. Channeling the late comedian George Carlin’s musings on “stuff,” he added, “I’ve been relieved from the burden of my stuff because it’s all in cinders.”

At the time of the fires, Gibson was in Austin, Texas, recording a podcast with Joe Rogan. “I was kind of ill at ease while we were talking because I knew my neighborhood was on fire,” he recounted. “When I got home, sure enough, my place was gone.”

Despite the loss, Gibson noted the resilience of his community. “You meet people all the time who’ve lost their homes. And you talk and commiserate and buck each other up. Everyone’s putting on a brave face. They’re a good bunch out here.”


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