Gavin Newsom Is Using Fire Fundraiser to Raise Funds for HIMSELF

When disaster strikes, people come together to help. They open their wallets, their hearts, and their minds to help those in need. But what happens when someone takes advantage of that goodwill? That’s exactly what appears to be happening with California Governor Gavin Newsom. He’s turning what should be a moment of support for wildfire victims into a political power grab.

It's actually far worse than just using ActBlue. He's DIRECTLY benefiting from this tragedy that he helped cause.

"Gavin Newsom Is Using Fire Fundraiser to Raise Funds for HIMSELF" pic.twitter.com/5OfsgA9aot

— JD Rucker (@JDRucker) January 12, 2025

Fundraising Through ActBlue: A Controversial Move

Recently, Gavin Newsom and Senator Elizabeth Warren used fundraising posts to solicit donations for fire relief efforts. But there’s a catch—they routed donations through ActBlue, a widely known Democratic fundraising platform.

Here’s why this is an issue. ActBlue charges a 3.95% processing fee. That’s money taken right off the top of every donation, funneling it toward the platform that ultimately benefits Democratic campaigns. And while that fee might not sound massive, it adds up quickly when thousands—or even millions—are donated.

People were quick to point out alternative routes for donating. You can donate directly to organizations like the United Way or local firefighter foundations. These organizations don’t skim processing fees that end up in political ecosystems.

But that’s where things took a darker turn.

Redirecting Donations to Political Campaigns

Newsom’s approach goes even further than just using ActBlue. His campaign has set up a site called “Californians Fire Facts”. If you visit this site, you’re redirected to an entirely different domain: GavinNewsom.com.

At first glance, this page might seem like it’s genuinely focused on wildfire relief. There’s information about the fires, resources, and, of course, a big “Donate” button. But here’s where it gets shocking. Clicking that button doesn’t actually send your money to wildfire victims—it sends it to Gavin Newsom’s “Campaign for Democracy.” This is a political action committee (PAC) aimed at boosting his political influence.

The funds that remain after ActBlue’s fees and whatever fees Newsom’s PAC takes are sent to the charities. But that’s just on the first donation. After that, it gets ugly.

Collecting Donor Data: The Real Endgame

If siphoning donations wasn’t bad enough, the true goldmine for these campaigns lies elsewhere: your personal data. When you donate through Newsom’s link, you’re required to provide your email and phone number. This information becomes a valuable asset, feeding future political campaigns.

Why does this matter? Because once they have your data, campaigns can continually reach out to you through text messages and emails. Imagine donating $50 to help fire victims and then months later receiving messages like, “Help Gavin Newsom continue his fight for California.” These pleas subtly encourage more donations, but this time, none of the money goes to wildfire relief—it goes directly into political coffers.

For campaigns, data is currency. Building lists of donors—especially ones compelled by emotional causes like fire relief—is a surefire way to secure long-term financial support. Many donors might not even realize they aren’t sending money to where they intended. It’s a bait-and-switch, plain and simple.

Ethical Questions and Accountability

The ethical implications here are staggering. Wildfires wreak havoc on families, homes, and livelihoods. Using that devastation as a platform for political gain crosses a line. Newsom’s campaign isn’t just raising funds—it’s leveraging tragedy for political advantage.

What’s even more troubling is the precedent this sets. If political leaders can blur the lines between charitable giving and campaign fundraising, trust in these systems erodes. People begin to question whether their donations are truly helping, or if they’re just padding the pockets of politicians.

Donate the Right Way

If you want to help wildfire victims, skip the middleman. Here are better options:

• Donate directly to local organizations. The United Way or the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation are strong choices.
• Support the local fire relief funds directly. Find out which nonprofits are actively helping on the ground.
• Research before clicking ‘Donate.’ Look closely at where your money is going and what organization is behind the ask.

Your dollars should provide relief, not political ammunition.

Final Thoughts

Using a crisis to boost a political profile is beyond reprehensible. Whether it’s Gavin Newsom, Elizabeth Warren, or anyone else, this kind of behavior should disgust everyone, regardless of political belief. Tragedy isn’t a fundraising opportunity—it’s a call to act selflessly.

California deserves leaders who prioritize public service over personal gain. This isn’t that. It’s wrong, and people need to call it out. When you’re asked to give, take an extra moment to ensure you’re truly helping those who need it. Political games have no place in disaster relief.