Latest news with #DEMOCRAT
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Trump blasts California wildfire aid, questions missing $100 million FireAid money
Donald Trump blasted California's wildfire relief efforts and took aim at the FireAid benefit concert that raised $100 million for victims of the January wildfires. Trump called it 'another Democrat-inspired scam.' Donald Trump blasted FireAid benefit concert that raised $100 million for victims of the January wildfires.(Bloomberg) FireAid had promoted itself as a major fundraiser to support people affected by the Los Angeles fires, but some wildfire victims said they never received any help from the concert. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said, 'FIREAID IS A TOTAL DISASTER. LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER DEMOCRAT INSPIRED SCAM. 100 MILLION DOLLARS IS MISSING. WAS SUPPOSED TO TO GO TO THE LOS ANGELES FIRE VICTIMS, FIRES THAT, WITH PROPER MANAGEMENT, WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN HAPPENED.' Also Read: Wildfires force evacuations at two national parks in the western US Trump also criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, writing, 'GOVERNOR NEWSCUM REFUSED TO RELEASE BILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER FROM NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT WOULD HAVE MADE! I HAVE SINCE OVERRULED HIM, AND IT IS NOW RELEASED. All FEDERAL HOUSING PERMITS HAVE ALSO BEEN APPROVED, THE CITY IS YEARS LATE. GET THE FIRE VICTIMS THEIR APPROVALS TO REBUILD, AND DO IT NOW!' The wildfires in California killed over 30 people and destroyed more than 18000 homes. Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, the fires quickly spread in city and rural areas. The total damage was estimated between $76 to $130 billion, according to a UCLA report. What happened at FireAid ? FireAid took place at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome arenas in Inglewood. The benefit concert featured big names like Lady Gaga, No Doubt, John Mayer, and Olivia Rodrigo. It aired on platforms like AMC Theatres and YouTube, and it brought in viewers from all over the world. The $100 million raised was given to about 188 non-profits helping with emergency housing, food, mental health, and fire prevention. However, some of the victims said they never saw any of the money. David Howard, who lost two homes in Pacific Palisades, told Fox News, 'I have not seen any benefit from the FireAid money, and I am very involved here and neither have my neighbours.' Mark Jones, another wildfire victim, added, 'The fire aid was for us. So, we figured where is the money? Where is it going?' FireAid later said it never planned to make direct payments to people and worked with trusted local non-profits instead. Also Read: Coachella Valley 'Shady' fire: Brush fire erupts in Thermal near Indio - Check map and updates Kevin Kiley asks for an investigation In response, Representative Kevin Kiley wrote to the Department of Justice asking for an investigation. Meanwhile, some non-profits defended FireAid. Michael Flood, head of the LA Regional Food Bank, said the money helped a lot when food demand went up by 30 percent. 'It was especially high in January through March as so many people were displaced and lost power and water,' he told the Los Angeles Times. Even though many aid groups praised the support they got, the complaints have added fuel to the ongoing debate over how California handles wildfires, relief efforts, and how transparent big charity drives really are.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
$100 million missing? Trump calls FireAid 'another Democrat inspired scam'; California wildfire charity funds never reach direct victims
US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on California's wildfire relief efforts, branding the high-profile FireAid benefit concert a 'total disaster' and accusing Democrats of planning and running a scam. ''FIREAID' IS A TOTAL DISASTER. LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER DEMOCRAT INSPIRED SCAM. 100 MILLION DOLLARS IS MISSING. WAS SUPPOSED TO TO GO TO THE LOS ANGELES FIRE VICTIMS, FIRES THAT, WITH PROPER MANAGEMENT, WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN HAPPENED,' Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. He also blamed Democrat California governor Gavin Newsom for refusing to release vital water reserves during the crisis. 'GOVERNOR NEWSCUM REFUSED TO RELEASE BILLIONS OF GALLONS OF WATER FROM NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT WOULD HAVE MADE! I HAVE SINCE OVERRULED HIM, AND IT IS NOW RELEASED. All FEDERAL HOUSING PERMITS HAVE ALSO BEEN APPROVED, THE CITY IS YEARS LATE. GET THE FIRE VICTIMS THEIR APPROVALS TO REBUILD, AND DO IT NOW!' Trump's remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the distribution of funds raised during the FireAid concert, which was staged across two major venues: SoFi Stadium and the Forum, in January. The event, organised by Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and featuring major artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, brought in $100 million after Ballmer and his wife Connie matched all public donations, as per CBS news. Although many organisations praised the swift distribution of FireAid benefit funds, concerns began circulating online and on social media alleging that the donations were not reaching wildfire victims. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo In response to these claims, Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) penned a letter urging the Department of Justice to investigate the matter. However, several recipient organisations have publicly defended FireAid, citing rapid distribution and tangible impact. 'We received $250,000,' said Kevin McManus, spokesperson for Pasadena Humane Society. 'We were able to save a lot of animals' lives in part because of that donation.' Michael Flood, CEO of the LA Regional Food Bank, said FireAid came at a crucial time when demand for food assistance surged by 30% due to the devastation caused by wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena. 'It was especially high in January through March as so many people were displaced and lost power and water,' Flood told Los Angeles Times. 'People had to move in with family and friends around the county. We did a food bank in Inglewood in February and we saw just how many had been displaced by both fires.' On the other hand, many individuals said that they received no funds from the event. "I have not seen any benefit from the FireAid money, and I am very involved here and neither have my neighbors," said David Howard, who lost two homes in Pacific Palisades told Fox news. According to the FireAid website, the concert raised an estimated $100 million intended for 'direct relief.' During the event, host and actor Miles Teller assured viewers that 'all the money raised will go directly to people who need it now and long-term efforts to build it back.' However, last week, the charity said that it was not possible to make direct payments. "FireAid does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals and that was never the plan. We partnered directly with trusted local reach communities in need," the fox news reported. Despite praise from aid groups, these accusations have reignited political debate over the state's handling of wildfire relief, emergency management, and the transparency of charity fund allocation.
The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Epstein file ‘full of actionable info' is locked in drawer, Dem senator says & calls for release of his bank records
A DEMOCRAT senator has claimed a "big" Epstein file "full of actionable information" is locked in a drawer in the Treasury Department. Sen. Ron Wyden called for authorities to 7 Epstein died in jail in August 2019, and the FBI has confirmed its assessment that it was suicide Credit: AFP 7 US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters, as he departs for travel to Pennsylvania from the South Lawn at the White House Credit: Reuters 7 Katherine Tai, nominee for US Trade Representative speaks at the Senate Finance Committee hearing at the US Capitol Credit: Splash Wyden, 76, affirmed on the Senate floor: "Somewhere in the Treasury Department, Mr. President, locked away in a cabinet drawer, is a big Epstein file that's full of actionable information." He urged: "Follow the money [and] details about his financing and operations that await investigation." The Dem senator even claimed the Biden administration let his aides Wyden said: "The file shows that Mr Epstein used multiple Russian banks, which are now under sanctions, to process payments related to sex trafficking. read more news "A lot of the women and girls he targeted came from Russia, Belarus, Turkey and elsewhere." He added: "One shudders to think about the kinds of people who must have been involved in trafficking these women and young girls out of those countries and into the Epstein web of abuse. "These are all potential leads." Beyond the mysterious account - kept with JP Morgan Chase - Wyden said how "hundreds of millions more flowed through other accounts," meaning authorities have "even more to investigate". Most read in The US Sun Wyden's office discovered four major banks flagged over $1.5 billion in transactions after Epstein was arrested in July 2019, the Epstein was found hanged in his cell on the 10th, but speculation has been rife that others were involved - and the release of the footage has sparked another flareup of controversy. It was released last week after a leaked memo showed that a probe concluded Epstein's death a suicide, and the "client list" of people implicated in Epstein's crimes allegedly does not exist - contrary to popular conspiracy theories. Jeffrey Epstein's brother insists he was 'most likely murdered' amid mystery around 'missing minute' of 'suicide' video Wyden added on Thursday: "I wrote to the Attorney General, Ms. [Pam] Bondi, Treasury [Secretary Scott] Bessent, FBI Director [Kash] Patel, and I asked them all to produce the Epstein file to the Senate Finance Committee so it could be reviewed." He explained he had "made that request multiple times". The Dem Senator later said: "We are going to stay on this fight to hold the wealthy individuals accountable for the harm that they clearly were involved in, in injuring the young women and others in this sex trafficking. "[There was] real evil - real evil done to women and girls by Jeffrey Epstein. "Nobody gets to sweep that under the rug." Since his death, people have speculated that Epstein blackmailed prominent figures involved with his sick crimes. The FBI's conclusion that it does not exist directly rails against what administration officials have previously said. 7 Elon Musk previously claimed that Donald Trump featured on a so-called client list in the Epstein files Credit: Getty 7 The CCTV footage of Epstein's final hours was in fact missing almost three minutes Credit: US Department of Justice In an interview on Fox News in February, Pam Bondi herself said the client list was " She addressed the comment during a cabinet meeting last Tuesday, explaining that she had meant the Epstein file in its entirety. And it was hoped that the confirmation Epstein's death was suicide would put to bed theories that he had been murdered to prevent him from divulging names. However, even the release of the CCTV footage has failed to snuff out the conspiracies - leading to some within Trump's own ranks to call for the further release of the full files. Many within his MAGA movement allege that the files about the paedophile's crimes have been withheld to protect big names. US House Speaker Mike Johnson Speaking on a podcast with Benny Johnson, the Republican said: "It's a very delicate subject, but we should put everything out there and let the people decide it. "I'm for transparency," he added. Other conservative figures have since demanded to see all the documents related to Epstein's crimes, even as Trump has tried to put the issue to bed. Trump blasts 'are we still talking about this creep-' over Epstein as mystery swirls around 'missing CCTV & client list' Lauren Boebert, another conservative Republican said a special counsel should be appointed to investigate the financier's crimes if more Epstein files were not released. And Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana said the voters expect more accountability. Even Trump's daughter-in-law, On Tuesday, Trump said the DoJ should release all "credible" information from its probe into the notorious sex criminal. But he repeated his claim that the so-called Epstein files were "made up" by his Democratic predecessors in the White House - despite saying multiple times during the election campaign that he would "probably" release them. He told reporters in the White House: "I don't understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody. "It's pretty boring stuff." Trump's frustration boiled over on Wednesday when he unleashed a scathing rant on Truth Social, taking aim at those he holds responsible for the ongoing attention, and those who have "fallen" for them. The President hit out at "radical left democrats", who he claims peddled the theories about Epstein's death and the so-called client list. And he fumed that his past MAGA supporters had "bought into this 'bullshit,' hook, line, and sinker". The MAGA camp remains left divided over a lack of clarity regarding the release of the hyped files. 7 Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence Credit: Getty 7 Prince Andrew pictured with Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell Credit: AFP
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
President Trump's historic year, threats to class of 2025, and more from Fox News Opinion
HANNITY – Fox News host discusses the first six months of President Donald Trump's second term and looks back on the attempt on his life in Butler, Pa. Continue watching… HUGH HEWITT – Just how bad were the Biden and Harris campaigns? Continue reading… DOWN IN THE DUMPS – Democrats' identity crisis shows no sign of getting better. It's actually getting worse. Continue reading… DREAMS DENIED – Study reveals threats to class of 2025. Fixing them should be Job No. 1. Continue reading… RAPID REBOOT – China is exploiting our government's tech weakness. Continue reading… RAYMOND ARROYO – Fox News contributor highlights a standoff in the sky. Continue watching… DEMOCRAT SENATOR – We need to fix FEMA with local control. Continue reading… TEXAS STRONG – How belief helps us endure natural disasters. Continue reading… BROADCAST BIAS – Networks downplay violent attacks on ICE to push immigration agenda. Continue reading… CARTOON OF THE DAY – Check out all of our political cartoons…
New York Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Who are the candidates running for NYC mayor against Eric Adams?
Leading New York City is the 'second toughest job in America,' as former Mayor John Lindsay famously said — yet Eric Adams is not alone in wanting the gig. A crowded field of candidates want to capitalize on the scandal-plagued incumbent mayor's rock-bottom popularity and make the move to Gracie Mansion. Most are Democrats fighting to distinguish themselves in the upcoming June 24 primary, where the ranked-choice winner will challenge the newly independent Adams, Republican Curtis Sliwa and another independent candidate, Jim Walden. 12 Mayor Eric Adams is running for re-election as an independent candidate. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post But even that potential four-person race is in flux, as political rumors abound that some heavyweight Democratic candidates may try to mount November election bids on another party line if they lose the primary. Here's a look at the major mayoral hopefuls by party affiliation. DEMOCRAT Andrew Cuomo Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is trying to make his political comeback by becoming New York City's next mayor. The pugnacious Cuomo, 67, is the frontrunner in the crowded primary race, drawing scores of endorsements despite his string of scandals — including the sexual harassment claims that toppled his governorship and criticism over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. 12 Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is attempting to make a political comeback in the Democratic mayoral primary. Stephen Yang The thrice-elected Democrat's campaign has hinged heavily on a 'Rose Garden' strategy — opting for polished and low-key appearances rather than old-school forums with his fellow candidates. The debate on Wednesday will be the first time the conservative-leaning political scion appears side-by-side with his fellow mayoral hopefuls. Zohran Mamdani Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has been the talk of the town since pulling off a historic grassroots fundraising and canvassing effort. His campaign — which has zeroed in on young, white, ultra-left New Yorkers — brought the 33-year-old Queens Assemblyman's bid for mayor from a long-shot bid to Cuomo's biggest threat. 12 Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani speaking at the United Federation of Teachers Annual Meeting in Manhattan on May 17, 2025. Robert Miller Mamdani, 33, has been slammed for his refusal to acknowledge Israel having a right to exist as a Jewish state and his involvement in the 'BDS' movement, which seeks to divert US funding to Israel. He's also raised eyebrows with his pie in the sky policy proposals, such as city-owned grocery stores and free bus service — that would cost taxpayers some $10 billion. Born in Uganda and raised in the Upper West Side, Mamdani has served New York state as a lawmaker since 2020. He's received major endorsements from the Working Families Party, tenant orgs and fellow progressive lawmakers. Brad Lander City Comptroller Brad Lander has centered his campaign on showcasing his long record of progressive policies and bashing Cuomo. The career lefty has consistently polled third behind Mamdani, and his campaign is still a hopeful one. 12 City Comptroller Brad Lander speaking outside of Manhattan Federal court at a press conference on congestion pricing on May 27, 2025. LP Media Originally from Missouri, now-Brooklynite Lander has been on the New York political scene since 2009. He's snagged a major endorsement from influential players like the Working Families Party and United Auto Workers. As one of only two Jewish candidates in the running, Lander, 55, has struggled to resonate with either side of the Israel-Palestinian conflict due to a more center-left stance. Adrienne Adams The City Council's speaker – and no-relation foe to the mayor – entered the Democratic primary at the 11th hour as many poohbahs grew worried about former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's candidacy. Adrienne Adams, 64, snagged the endorsement of Cuomo foe Letitia James, the state's attorney general, as she pitched a record of competent, drama-free public service from her council position. 12 City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams at a Pride Kick Off Mayoral Forum on May 31, 2025. Leonardo Munoz A progressive Democrat from South Jamaica, Queens, she is the first black councilperson to be elected speaker. Politicos reckon she could be the candidate with the best shot at pulling black New Yorkers away from Cuomo, who is polling in first place among that demographic group. Scott Stringer A fixture in New York City's political scene, Scott Stringer — who served two terms as the city comptroller until 2021 — is on his second run for mayor. The Manhattan Democrat has taken a slightly more moderate stance this time around — shifting from some of his left-leaning policies at recent forums. 12 Former Comptroller Scott Stringer attending a mayoral candidate forum organized by New York Immigrant Coalition and CUNY on April 16, 2025. Stephen Yang Stringer, 65, is known to do well with the wealthier crowd — and has collected endorsements from Congressman Jerry Nadler, the West Side Democrats and more. Zellnor Myrie Brooklyn State Sen. Zellnor Myrie was an early entrant in the race for the city's highest office. A progressive from Brooklyn, Myrie, 38, has run a relatively low-key campaign centered on consistent public forums, ads and Cuomo-bashing. 12 Brooklyn State Sen. Zellnor Myrie at the New York Post office on May 15, 2025. Matthew McDermott Myrie — who has served his Crown Heights district, where he was born and raised, since 2018 — has a few more moderate policy ideas around real estate and policing than his fellow liberal peers. He's been endorsed by the Working Families Party, along with some prominent politicians. Jessica Ramos Pro-labor progressive state Sen. Jessica Ramos has snagged some impressive endorsements but hasn't been able to translate them into campaign finances. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, Ramos, 39, has been another outspoken voice for the lefty agenda in the mayoral race. 12 State Sen. Jessica Ramos answering a question at the United Federation of Teachers Annual Meeting. Robert Miller She has served in the state senate representing parts of Queens since 2019 after she defeated the now-late senator Jose Peralta, who was part of the defunct Independent Democratic Conference that teamed up with Republicans to pass legislation. Due to missing key fundraising requirements, Ramos will not be joining the leading candidates debate on June 12. Michael Blake The Rev. Michael Blake is a former aide to ex-president Barack Obama who described himself as a 'visionary moderate leader with progressive policy leanings.' Blake — who served in the state Assembly from 2015 to 2021, before switching over to political consultancy — is known for his sharp tongue and centrist policies. 12 Democratic mayoral candidate Rev. Michael Blake attending a Knicks playoff game in Boston on May 15, 2025. David McGlynn The South Bronx reverend, 42, joined the race last fall by ripping Adams for allegedly cozying up to 'incoming fascist president' Donald Trump. Along with Ramos, he also did not meet fundraising requirements for next week's debate, so Wednesday will be voters' only chance to see him on the debate stage. Whitney Tilson Whitney Tilson hails from the world of hedge funds and finance — and notably has only been formally endorsed by mega-financier Bill Ackman. Tilson, 58, is a conservative Democrat who warns of the far left in his ad campaigns, which bash Mamdani and his socialist supporters. 12 Former hedge fund manager Whitney Tilson petitioning for the Democratic primary at the Board of Elections headquarters in Manhattan on April 3, 2025. William Farrington A Harvard-educated former fund manager from Connecticut, Tilson brands himself as the antithesis to the career pols running against him. INDEPENDENT Jim Walden Centrist Jim Walden will be directly taking on Adams in the independent category of the ballot in November. Walden, 59, made a name for himself as a big-time attorney who now brands himself as the 'apolitical' candidate in the mayoral race. 12 Independent mayoral canndiate Jim Walden speaking at the Mental Health Mayoral Candidate Town Hall on May 1, 2025. Kevin C Downs forThe New York Post He rose to prominence prosecuting mobsters — and he's even repped Cuomo during legal troubles — though he has yet to gain any substantial ground in this race. REPUBLICAN Curtis Sliwa The boisterous, red beret-wearing Curtis Sliwa is running solo on the Republican ticket for mayor. The radio host and crime-fighting activist, 71, told The Post he thinks he has a real shot at the mayoralty this year due to the fractured nature of the Democratic party. 12 Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa is running for the Republican nomination for mayor. Paul Martinka Though a dedicated member of the GOP, the Guardian Angels founder has consistently distanced himself from the Trump administration since entering the political ring.
