Last Updated:July 26, 2025, 16:14 IST
The FireAid concert that raised $100 million for the devastating January wildfires in California has come under fire after some people complained they had not received benefits.

US President Donald Trump (AP/File)
US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on California wildfire relief efforts, calling the star-studded FireAid concert that raised $100 million for the devastating January wildfires in California, Los Angeles, “another Democrat-inspired scam".
This came after FireAid came under fire for how the money was spent after civilians who lost their properties claimed that they did not receive a single penny from the concert, which billed itself as a “benefit concert for wildfire victims".
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump said, ““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."
Lashing out at California Governor Gavin Newsom, the president added, “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!"
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 07.25.25 07:43 PM EST“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.…
— Fan Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 25, 2025
At least 30-31 people are believed to have been killed, and more than 18,000 houses were destroyed in California after the devastating series of wildfires – fuelled by the powerful Santa Ana winds – spread rapidly through urban and suburban areas. It is estimated to have cost at least $76-130 billion in damages.
FireAid Controversy
The FireAid event itself, hosted across the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome arenas in Inglewood, was a star-studded event, with performances from the likes of Lady Gaga, No Doubt, John Mayer, Olivia Rodrigo and other A-listers, to raise funds for the victims of the wildfires.
Broadcast worldwide across a variety of platforms, from AMC Theatres to YouTube, the concert brought together music lovers from all corners of the globe, joining in solidarity for relief during the devastating LA wildfires. The funds were distributed primarily through grants to nearly 188 non-profit organisations providing emergency relief services such as housing, food, mental health support, and wildfire prevention efforts.
However, some people claimed that they received no benefits from the concert. “I have not seen any benefit from the FireAid money, and I am very involved here and neither have my neighbours," David Howard, who lost two homes in Pacific Palisades, told Fox News.
“The fire aid was for us. So, we figured where is the money? Where is it going?" said another victim, Mark Jones. Last week, the charity said that “FireAid does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals and that was never the plan" and that it was partnered with trusted local non-profits, sparking outrage.
In response to these claims, Representative Kevin Kiley penned a letter urging the Department of Justice to investigate the matter. However, several recipient organisations said they received funds and publicly defended FireAid.
Michael Flood, CEO of the LA Regional Food Bank, told the Los Angeles Times that FireAid was very helpful 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," he added.
Although aid groups have praised the efforts, the accusations have reignited political controversy surrounding the state’s management of wildfire relief, emergency response, and the transparency of charitable fund distribution.
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...
Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world 'Democrat-Inspired Scam': Trump Says $100 Million For LA Wildfire Victims ‘Missing’
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