Spencer Pratt calls for an audit after reports show Governor Gavin Newsom steered $340 million to linked non-profit groups.

When you give money to help wildfire victims or homeless people, you expect it to go to them. But a new fight in California raises fears that charity cash is just helping politicians.

WHAT HAPPENED

Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt is demanding to see where California's money is going. He pointed to a new report about Governor Gavin Newsom.

The report says Newsom asked big businesses and donors for $340 million. These are called requested donations. It means a politician asks a company to give money to a specific charity.

Pratt claims some of this money went to groups linked to the governor. He focused on a state agency called Cal Volunteers. Pratt says this agency used a charity group to hide almost $500,000.

WHAT THE MONEY/EVIDENCE SHOWS

$340 million in donations requested by the governor's office.

• Almost $500,000 allegedly moved through a group called FireAid.
• Cal Volunteers, a state agency, is at the center of the claims.
• Spencer Pratt is calling for a full state audit of these charity groups.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why do we let politicians tell big companies where to donate? It seems like a good deed on the outside. But it can easily turn into a way for businesses to buy favor with leaders.

If a company wants a favor from the state, giving to the governor's favorite charity is an easy loophole. We need to ask if these charities actually help people, or if they just help politicians build power.

THE OTHER SIDE

Governor Newsom and his team say these donations do real good. They say the money helps fight fires, feed families, and build housing. They argue that working with private donors helps the state solve big problems faster. Based on public records, there is currently no proof of illegal activity, but the lack of an outside audit makes it hard to verify these claims.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Regular people in California are dealing with massive fires and high costs. If they lose trust in charities, they might stop giving altogether. This hurts the very people who need help the most.

Calls for clear records are growing. People want clear rules on how politicians and charities work together.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Did any of the $340 million directly benefit Governor Newsom or his staff?

• How much of the $500,000 from FireAid was actually spent on wildfire relief?
• Will state lawmakers agree to a full audit of these charity groups?