Newsom Faces Criticism Over Wildfire Response and Fundraising Links to ActBlue

California Governor Gavin Newsom launched a new website over the weekend to address what he described as “misinformation” regarding his administration’s wildfire prevention and emergency efforts. The initiative has drawn criticism for including links to ActBlue, a major Democratic fundraising platform, raising questions about the governor’s handling of the crisis.

Since Tuesday, wildfires in the Los Angeles area have burned over 12,000 homes and left at least 16 people dead. Thousands have been forced to evacuate as residents, including prominent figures, expressed frustration over water shortages and the state’s response. Newsom defended his administration’s actions on X (formerly Twitter), claiming significant investments in firefighting and forest management.

Newsom’s website, CaliforniaFireFacts.com, counters what it calls “lies” about the state’s efforts while encouraging donations to the California Fire Foundation. The donation button redirects users to ActBlue, which processes contributions for various Democratic causes. ActBlue clarified that donations for the fires are routed through its AB Charities division and include a 3.95% processing fee, though fees for fire-related donations were reportedly waived.

Critics, however, have questioned the optics of linking to ActBlue, which has raised over $16 billion for Democratic campaigns since its inception. Fox News Digital noted that the donation page also promotes Newsom’s Campaign for Democracy PAC, though Newsom’s team insisted no funds go to his PAC. “Not a cent of these donations go to Gavin Newsom or his PAC,” said spokesperson Nathan Click, adding that Newsom’s efforts have raised $450,000 for the Fire Foundation.

High-profile Democrats, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, also encouraged donations via ActBlue. This prompted backlash on social media, with users highlighting ActBlue’s political affiliations and transaction fees. Warren and Newsom faced scrutiny for using the platform amid the ongoing disaster.

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