House Republicans Investigate Fire Aid Charitable Spending
WASHINGTON — House Republicans initiated an inquiry on Wednesday regarding the expenditure of $500,000 in grants by a California charity designed to assist victims of the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires. This move broadens congressional oversight concerning disaster assistance.
Representatives Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) sent a letter to the California Volunteer Fund’s president, seeking financial documents. This funding is linked to a $500,000 grant received from FireAid, a disaster relief charity that raised an estimated $100 million for fire victims through a benefit concert in January.
In their letter to Dave Smith, the foundation’s chief executive, Kiley and Jordan expressed concern that the distribution of the $500,000 remains unclear. They questioned which specific individuals or organizations benefited from this funding. There is also uncertainty about whether the California Volunteers, operating out of the Governor’s Office, obtained any funds through this charity.
They indicated a desire to review all documents and communications regarding Cal Fire, particularly the interactions between the California Volunteer Fund and California Volunteers, an entity supported by the charity and situated within Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.
The representatives remarked that FireAid had faced considerable scrutiny for allegedly redirecting donations to other nonprofits instead of directly assisting fire victims.
Neither the California Volunteer Fund nor the governor’s office provided comments when approached.
This congressional scrutiny into disaster relief funding follows months of pressure from Republican figures, including President Trump, who have raised concerns about FireAid’s operational strategies and priorities. In July, Kiley called for an investigation into the charity and pressed for the Attorney General to look into it.
Politically, this inquiry emerges as Newsom, frequently referenced in the letter, has been a target for Trump and the Republican Party amid speculation regarding a potential presidential bid in 2028.
In defense against the allegations, FireAid had commissioned two audit reports, including one led by the law firm Latham & Watkins, which found no evidence of fraud or fund misuse. This report was shared with local and federal authorities, including the Department of Justice.
FireAid stated at the time that the independent review confirmed their adherence to their mission and strong accountability, ensuring that support reaches the affected communities.
