In the wake of the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County in January 2025, a star-studded FireAid benefit concert raised an impressive $100 million to aid victims. Organized with support from the Annenberg Foundation and Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, the event promised relief for those who lost homes, businesses, and loved ones in fires that destroyed over 18,000 structures and claimed 31 lives. However, six months later, controversy has erupted over the distribution of these funds, with allegations of mismanagement and conflicts of interest centering on California Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
The heart of the controversy lies with California Volunteers, a state entity under the Governor’s Office tasked with promoting volunteering and civic engagement. Jennifer Siebel Newsom serves as the honorary chair of its 25-member Board of Commissioners, appointed by the governor. Reports initially indicated that California Volunteers, also known as CalVolunteers, received at least $1 million from FireAid’s funds. This revelation sparked outrage, particularly when it became apparent that none of the $100 million raised had been distributed directly to fire victims. Instead, FireAid allocated $50 million in its first round to over 120 nonprofits and $25 million in a second round to 68 organizations, with the remaining $25 million slated for distribution by late 2025.
Public frustration grew when it was discovered that California Volunteers was listed as a recipient on FireAid’s website, only to be abruptly removed after scrutiny over Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s role. In response, officials clarified that no funds went to the state-run California Volunteers. Instead, they claimed the money was directed to the California Volunteers Fund, a separate nonprofit that supports volunteer efforts, including programs run by California Volunteers. This distinction has done little to quell criticism, with many questioning the transparency and ethics of funneling relief funds through an organization tied to the governor’s wife.
FireAid has defended its distribution process, stating that direct payments to individuals were never part of the plan due to “logistical constraints.” The organization emphasized that all funds were allocated to vetted nonprofits, such as the LA Regional Food Bank, which received $1.25 million to address a 30% surge in food insecurity post-fires, and Inclusive Action, which issued $500 cash cards to over 5,000 informal workers. Other recipients, like the Pasadena Humane Society, used $250,000 to rescue animals affected by the fires. FireAid insists that its grants, independently audited and tracked, have reached over 150,000 community members, supporting initiatives like housing stability, mental health services, and community infrastructure.
Critics, including actor Spencer Pratt, who lost his Pacific Palisades home, and Representative Kevin Kiley, have called for investigations into the fund’s allocation. Kiley, a Republican from Rocklin, urged the Department of Justice to probe whether the money was misallocated, citing concerns that funds went to organizations outside the affected areas, such as Sonoma-based After the Fire. Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, labeling FireAid a “Democrat-inspired scam” and claiming the $100 million was “missing.” These accusations have fueled a broader political debate, with some alleging that Newsom’s administration has a history of mishandling disaster relief funds.
Fact-checkers have pushed back, asserting that claims of Newsom and his wife creating California Volunteers to “steal” FireAid money are baseless. They note that California Volunteers was established in 2006 by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, not Newsom, and that the California Volunteers Fund operates independently. However, skepticism persists, particularly given Newsom’s earlier controversy over directing wildfire donations through his Campaign for Democracy super PAC via ActBlue, which critics argued was a ploy to collect donor information for political purposes.
As Los Angeles rebuilds from a disaster estimated to cost between $76 billion and $131 billion, the FireAid controversy underscores deeper concerns about transparency and accountability in disaster relief. While FireAid and Newsom’s office maintain that the funds are supporting critical community needs, victims like Mark Jones, who lost their homes, report seeing no direct aid. With calls for federal investigations and public trust waning, the saga of FireAid’s $100 million raises pressing questions about how relief efforts can best serve those they aim to help.
