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Trump Refers FireAid ‘Scam’ Claims to DOJ
July30
US President Donald Trump has referred the FireAid charity fundraiser to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for investigation, following mounting public pressure and media scrutiny over how the $100 million raised at the high-profile January concert has been distributed.
The move follows a request from California Rep. Kevin Kiley, who claims donations were diverted to nonprofits with only “tenuous” links to fire recovery. Trump called the effort a “Democrat-inspired scam,” alleging that “$100 million is missing.”
The FireAid concerts, held at L.A.’s Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, featured artists like Green Day, Billie Eilish, and Stevie Wonder, and drew over 50 million livestream viewers.
Organisers say the funds were allocated to 188 nonprofits focused on housing, food assistance, mental health, and environmental recovery—not directly to individuals.
Facing rising criticism, FireAid has hired the law firm Latham & Watkins to review its grant-making and governance. In a letter to Kiley, the organisation defended its transparency, stating all grants are documented online and that the review will ensure recipients align with FireAid’s mission.
To date, FireAid has distributed $75 million in two rounds, with the remaining $25 million expected by year-end. An independent audit is also underway as calls for accountability continue.
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