Country superstar Jason Aldean’s continuing desire to speak less and do more as a community activist and political supporter has now doubled down on supporting Donald Trump’s run as the Republican candidate in 2024’s United States presidential election, alongside a significant donation for Hurricane Helene relief.
During the “Try That In A Small Town” performer’s hometown “Highway Desperado” tour appearance in Macon, Georgia, the official result of $7,039,604 from a week-long GoFundMe campaign launched by former President Trump and a separate donation of $500,000 by Brittany and Jason Aldean, was announced onstage by Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and the Aldeans, with a video message added via Trump.
The proceeds were announced as being donated to Boone, North Carolina-based humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse.
“My wife is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and as we know, North Carolina got hammered pretty hard by this, so we also want to donate to the state of Georgia and Florida to Samaritan’s Purse as well. Obviously, Georgia means a lot to us, Carolina means a lot to her and we’re gonna try our best to take care of them the bets we can,” offered Aldean.
On Sept. 30, a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by the Trump campaign’s finance director, Meredith O’Rourke, surfaced, noting, in its description, that “President Donald J. Trump has launched this GoFundMe campaign as an official response for MAGA supporters to offer their financial assistance to their fellow Americans impacted by Hurricane Helene.”
Proceeds from the Trump-authorized fundraiser were set to be allocated to organizations aiding those affected by Hurricane Helene.
“With so many across the Southeastern U.S. facing challenges after the storm, President Trump is on the ground in communities to see the aftermath firsthand. All donations will be directed to help those most affected by Hurricane Helene. Any level of generosity will go a long way for your fellow Americans who are suffering,” adds the GoFundMe page note.
In under 72 hours, over $4 million had been raised via Trump’s efforts.
Aldean’s support matched by Morgan Wallen
Aldean’s support of $500,000 matches the same number recently donated by another country and mainstream chart-topping performer, Morgan Wallen. Via his Morgan Wallen Foundation, the East Tennessee native donated his sum to the American Red Cross on Sept. 30.
“My family in East Tennessee are safe but I know many are absolutely devastated there and in multiple states,” Wallen posted in an Instagram story. “Those hills and hollers are very important to me in so many ways. It is going to take a monumental effort and I am in contact with my team and others working on ways I can help.”
“We can’t thank Morgan Wallen enough for his heart and generous $500,000 donation to impact help on the ground now in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene, including his beloved East Tennessee,” Trevor Riggin, Red Cross’ national president for humanitarian services, said in a statement shared with the USA Today Network’s Knox News.
Wallen’s foundation is also partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee for a “HELP” campaign to raise funds and collect food for Hurricane Helene victims in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
On Oct. 9 in Knoxville and Nashville, a food and water drive, plus packing of disaster relief boxes, will happen in each respective city.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jason Aldean, Donald Trump offer $7 million in Hurricane Helene relief
