FireAid retains law firm to review grants, after Trump’s misleading criticism

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FireAid’s management, responsible for wildfire aid, has hired a legal team to scrutinize their grant distribution procedure. This action comes in response to accusations from President Trump and conservative politicians who claim that FireAid should be scrutinized.

FireAid, an initiative spearheaded by Steve Ballmer (Clippers owner), Irving Azoff, and others, swiftly amassed $100 million in January, triggered by the destructive Eaton and Palisades fires in southern California. This fundraiser event brought together top artists such as Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and Olivia Rodrigo, with the proceeds going towards grants for local charities, providing aid for essentials like food, money, housing, childcare, and immediate necessities. A subsequent $25 million was distributed to tackle ongoing issues like legal assistance, mental health services, permit facilitation, and more. Another round of funding will be disbursed later in the year.

Steve Ballmer and others organized FireAid after the Californian wildfires and raised $100 million. They used this money to help charities that offer food, shelter, childcare, etc., for people affected by the fires. Later, they gave out another $25 million to handle ongoing problems like legal issues, mental health services, and permits. More funding will be given later this year.

Music

A significant portion of the money collected during the January benefit concert pales in comparison to the extensive destruction, estimated at billions, suffered by Altadena and the Palisades. Six months post-disaster, The Times spoke with organizers from FireAid regarding the distribution of funds.

Recently, FireAid has faced criticism from Palisades residents, Republican politicians like California Rep. Kevin Kiley, and even President Trump, who labeled it as a “TOTAL DISASTER.” The criticisms primarily focus on concerns about transparency in the grant distribution process and disagreements over the strategies used for allocating funds. However, it’s important to note that FireAid has made public a comprehensive report detailing every group that received funding.

The President persisted in accusatory remarks, stating that the incident appears to be another Democrat-orchestrated fraud. He claimed that $100 million is unaccounted for and was intended for the Los Angeles fire victims, fires he suggested could have been avoided with better management.

In response, FireAid announced that their accounting firm, KPMG, will prepare a detailed report on the grants’ effects by December, while a progress report is expected shortly. Furthermore, they have commissioned Latham & Watkins to perform an extensive review of FireAid’s governance and grant-making procedures. This evaluation will encompass examining whether recipient organizations are utilizing funds in accordance with FireAid’s declared purpose and pledges. We have communicated this update to Rep. Kiley, including evidence demonstrating how FireAid funds are providing tangible aid — from food and housing assistance to legal support and direct cash transfers.

FireAid was set up swiftly following the fires to offer aid via numerous non-profit organizations that already have the necessary infrastructure and experience. These organizations are used to help those who were impacted by the fires. FireAid aims to distribute funds to these non-profits, which cover a wide range of essential services, ensuring help gets to the communities and individuals affected by the fires in a responsible, efficient, and meaningful way.

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2025-08-01 16:46