US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on California’s wildfire relief efforts, branding the high-profile FireAid benefit concert a “total disaster” and accusing Democrats of planning and running a scam.“‘FIREAID’ IS A TOTAL DISASTER. LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER DEMOCRAT INSPIRED SCAM. 100 MILLION DOLLARS IS MISSING. WAS SUPPOSED TO TO GO TO THE LOS ANGELES FIRE VICTIMS, FIRES THAT, WITH PROPER MANAGEMENT, WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN HAPPENED,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. He also blamed Democrat California governor Gavin Newsom for refusing to release vital water reserves during the crisis.“GOVERNOR NEWSCUM 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!”Trump’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the distribution of funds raised during the FireAid concert, which was staged across two major venues: SoFi Stadium and the Forum, in January. The event, organised by Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and featuring major artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, brought in $100 million after Ballmer and his wife Connie matched all public donations, as per CBS news.Although many organisations praised the swift distribution of FireAid benefit funds, concerns began circulating online and on social media alleging that the donations were not reaching wildfire victims. In response to these claims, Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) penned a letter urging the Department of Justice to investigate the matter.However, several recipient organisations have publicly defended FireAid, citing rapid distribution and tangible impact. “We received $250,000,” said Kevin McManus, spokesperson for Pasadena Humane Society. “We were able to save a lot of animals’ lives in part because of that donation.”Michael Flood, CEO of the LA Regional Food Bank, said FireAid came at a crucial time when demand for food assistance surged by 30% due to the devastation caused by wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena. “It was especially high in January through March as so many people were displaced and lost power and water,” Flood told Los Angeles Times. “People had to move in with family and friends around the county. We did a food bank in Inglewood in February and we saw just how many had been displaced by both fires.”On the other hand, many individuals said that they received no funds from the event.“I have not seen any benefit from the FireAid money, and I am very involved here and neither have my neighbors,” said David Howard, who lost two homes in Pacific Palisades told Fox news.According to the FireAid website, the concert raised an estimated $100 million intended for “direct relief.” During the event, host and actor Miles Teller assured viewers that “all the money raised will go directly to people who need it now and long-term efforts to build it back.”However, last week, the charity said that it was not possible to make direct payments.“FireAid does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals and that was never the plan. We partnered directly with trusted local non-profits…to reach communities in need,” the fox news reported.Despite praise from aid groups, these accusations have reignited political debate over the state’s handling of wildfire relief, emergency management, and the transparency of charity fund allocation.
