Concerns have arisen about the transparency and allocation of funds raised FireAid, the charitable initiative that organized a high-profile, star-studded benefit concert on January 30, 2025, at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
The concert featured performances by artists like Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Nicks, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, raising approximately $100 million through ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise, and donations, including a $1 million contribution from U2 and matched donations by Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie. The Annenberg Foundation, a long-standing Los Angeles philanthropic organization, was tasked with overseeing the distribution of these funds to support fire victims and community recovery efforts
Despite FireAid’s efforts, concerns have arisen about the transparency and allocation of funds, fueled by reports from wildfire victims who claim they received no direct aid. Investigative journalist Sue Pascoe, who lost her home in the Palisades fire, and independent journalist James Li have reported that funds were directed to nonprofits, some of which may not be directly tied to fire relief or the affected areas.
Political Scrutiny and Trump’s Involvement: Last Friday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, calling FireAid a “total disaster” and “another Democrat-inspired scam,” claiming that “$100 million is missing” and that the funds were meant for Los Angeles fire victims.