US President Donald Trump called the US FireAid initiative, aimed at helping victims of wildfires in California, a scam and said that $100 million of the money raised for it has disappeared.
„FireAid“ is a complete failure, the president wrote on his Truth Social page. „Looks like another scam inspired by the Democrats. „$100 million missing“.
In southern California, in the Los Angeles area, in January, more than 30 people died due to wildfires, and about 18 thousand buildings were destroyed. Public organizations, including those affiliated with the Democratic Party, have announced fundraising for the needs of those injured or who lost property due to the fires. As part of this initiative, a charity concert was held in California on January 30 with the participation of singers Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and other popular performers. About $ 100 million was collected, but as reported by the Fox News channel, the funds were subsequently distributed among a number of non-governmental organizations, and were not transferred directly to the affected.
Trump again criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom on social networks. According to the president, state authorities could have prevented the fires if they had taken appropriate measures in a timely manner. According to Trump, the water shortages that Los Angeles faced during the fires were caused primarily by Newsom's reluctance to lift restrictions on its use.
As meteorologists noted, the reason for the rapid spread of the fire in California in January was dry and very windy weather.