FireAid

In the wake of mounting controversy over the FireAid wildfire benefit concert, President Trump has taken to Truth Social to publicly question the relief fund’s management. His remarks come as FireAid faces intensified scrutiny regarding how the $100 million raised for LA wildfire victims was distributed.

The star-studded FireAid event, held in January 2025 at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum in Los Angeles, united more than 30 major artists and drew over 50 million viewers. The initial outpouring of support raised high hopes for direct aid to those affected, but recent weeks have seen growing allegations from some residents and critics who claim money has not reached fire victims.

Trump has taken to Truth Social to amplify those concerns, posting: “‘FireAid is a total diaster. Looks like another Democrat inspired scam. $100 million is missing. Was supposed to go to the Los Angeles fire victims, fires that, with proper management, would have never even happened. Governor Newscum [sic] refused to release billions of gallons of water from Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. What a difference it would have made! I have since overruled him, and it is now released. All federal housing permits have also been approved, the city is years late. Get the fire victims their approvals to rebuild and do it now!”

California Governor Gavin Newsom has already responded to this post on Truth Social, pointing out that “there is no such thing as a federal housing permit” and that “water spigots” for wildfire relief are a myth.

Despite the online furor from the president, accusations echo existing community skepticism. The Pacific Palisades Community Council has also publicly demanded a detailed accounting from FireAid and its distribution partner, the Annenberg Foundation. Transparency on direct disbursements remains an ongoing request by residents impacted by the wildfires.

FireAid organizers have responded to the increased tempo for calls for transparency by promising “a transparent view of how FireAid is putting their dollars to work.” Organizers have emphasized they distributed the funds through local non-profit organizations and that the relief effort was never structured to make direct payments to individuals. They further stated that all grant recipients must report on fund usage, with year-end results independently audited by KPMG for full transparency. A full public report is due by December 2025.

California Rep. Kevin Kiley has formally called for a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation to address these allegations. Some industry insiders believe this investigation could gain further momentum given Trump’s now public stance. The move may serve to redirect public conversation as Trump faces renewed attention around the ongoing Epstein client list controversy.

Despite the political storm and varied accusations, media outlets such as The Los Angeles Times and local organizations that received grants have reported the receipt of promised funds and described how that support has become a ‘lifeline’ for those impacted. However, the gap between public expectations of direct aid and FireAid’s nonprofit grant process continues to drive both skepticism and demand for more granular financial reporting.