Trump reignites feud with Newsom over California FireAid funds

President Trump has seemingly reignited his feud with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) over proceeds from the California FireAid concert, arguing that $100 million in donations intended for Los Angeles residents who were affected by the January fires is “missing.” 

“‘FIREAID’ IS A TOTAL DISASTER. LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER DEMOCRAT INSPIRED SCAM. 100 MILLION DOLLARS IS MISSING. WAS SUPPOSED TO GO TO THE LOS ANGELES FIRE VICTIMS, FIRES THAT, WITH PROPER MANAGEMENT, WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN HAPPENED. GOVERNOR NEWSCUM REFUSED TO RELEASE BILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER FROM NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST,” Trump wrote Friday evening on Truth Social.

“WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT WOULD HAVE MADE,” he added.

FireAid was a one-night concert described as an event to raise money for residents that lost their homes during the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year. The fundraising concert featured stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, along with some victims of the Palisades and Altadena blazes. 

The distribution of the funds has come under scrutiny. 

FireAid raised around $100 million so far, according to the event’s website. 

In a statement to the city’s Fox affiliate, the charity said it 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.”

Actor Miles Teller said during the event that “all the money raised will go directly to people who need it now and long-term efforts to build it back,” according to Fox News. 

Trump took a jab at Newsom, writing Friday evening that he has since “OVERRULED HIM, AND IT IS NOW RELEASED.”  

“All FEDERAL HOUSING PERMITS HAVE ALSO BEEN APPROVED, THE CITY IS YEARS LATE,” he said. “GET THE FIRE VICTIMS THEIR APPROVALS TO REBUILD, AND DO IT NOW!”

The president has repeatedly clashed with Newsom since beginning his second term, including hammering the governor over California’s response to the Los Angeles County wildfires — while also threatening to hold back federal emergency funding. Before returning to the Oval Office, he specifically criticized Newsom for not signing a declaration to pump more water through the state to prevent the situation.

More recently, the duo has sparred over Trump’s robust immigration agenda as an uptick in raids and deportations has sparked protests throughout the Golden State and beyond.

Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) is now calling for an investigation into the distribution of funds to victims of the wildfires. 

“We want people to understand that there’s been a thoughtful process behind this, and our top priority was trying to do what people needed, and do what’s best for fire survivors,” Lisa Cleri Reale, a member of FireAid’s grant advisory committee, told The Los Angeles Times. 

The devastation from the wildfires was predicted to cost more than $50 billion.