Celebrity Powerhouses Unite: Curry, Woods, Jordan, Swift, and Gomez Each Donate $1 Million to Texas Hill Country Flood Relief, with Swift Taking Aim at Trump
In a remarkable display of unity and generosity, some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment—Stephen Curry, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez—have each pledged $1 million to Direct Relief to aid emergency response efforts for the devastating floods in Texas Hill Country. The collective $5 million contribution aims to provide critical support to communities ravaged by the natural disaster, offering hope to those facing immense loss. Amid this act of philanthropy, Taylor Swift seized the moment to deliver a pointed message to President-elect Donald Trump, criticizing his controversial “One Big Beautiful Bill” and reinforcing her commitment to social causes.
A Star-Studded Response to Crisis
The Texas Hill Country, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities, has been battered by unprecedented flooding, leaving countless families displaced, homes destroyed, and infrastructure in disarray. Direct Relief, a humanitarian organization renowned for its rapid response to natural disasters, will use the $5 million in donations to provide essential supplies, including food, clean water, medical aid, and shelter, to those affected.
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooting superstar, expressed his solidarity with the victims, stating, “The people of Texas Hill Country are in our hearts. This is about coming together to help rebuild lives.” Tiger Woods, whose own foundation has long supported disaster relief, echoed this sentiment: “We can’t undo the damage, but we can give these communities the resources to recover and rebuild stronger.”
Michael Jordan, basketball legend and philanthropist, emphasized the importance of collective action, saying, “When tragedy strikes, it’s our responsibility to step up. I’m proud to join this effort to support Texas.” Selena Gomez, a Texas native, added a personal touch, noting, “This hits close to home. My heart breaks for everyone affected, and I’m honored to contribute to their recovery.”
Taylor Swift’s Bold Stand
While each celebrity’s donation underscores their commitment to helping those in need, Taylor Swift’s contribution came with an additional layer of impact—a powerful message directed at Donald Trump. The pop icon, known for her philanthropy and vocal advocacy, used the occasion to critique Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping legislative plan that has sparked heated debate. Though details of the bill remain contentious, Swift didn’t hold back, stating, “This bill claims to be ‘beautiful,’ but it ignores the real struggles of people facing crises like these floods. We need leadership that prioritizes people, not politics.”
Swift’s comments reference her ongoing public feud with Trump, which intensified during the 2024 election cycle when she endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, garnering over 9 million likes on Instagram. Her latest statement aligns with her history of using her platform to address social and political issues, from women’s rights to disaster relief. Swift’s $1 million donation to Direct Relief follows her previous contributions to natural disaster relief, including $5 million to Feeding America for Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 and $1 million for Tennessee tornado relief in 2023.
The Impact of Collective Giving
The combined $5 million donation from these five icons is expected to make a significant impact on the ground in Texas Hill Country. Direct Relief, headquartered in California, is well-equipped to distribute aid efficiently, having supported relief efforts for numerous disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused billions in damages across the southeastern U.S. The organization’s CEO, Thomas Tighe, expressed gratitude, stating, “These generous contributions from Stephen Curry, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez will provide immediate relief and long-term recovery support to communities in desperate need.”
The floods in Texas Hill Country have caused widespread destruction, with estimates of damages still being calculated. The region, already vulnerable to extreme weather, faces a long road to recovery, making these high-profile donations a lifeline for many. Beyond financial support, the involvement of such prominent figures is likely to inspire others to contribute, amplifying the relief effort.
A History of Giving
Each of these celebrities has a track record of philanthropy, particularly in response to natural disasters. Curry’s Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation has supported underserved communities, while Woods’ TGR Foundation has aided disaster relief and education initiatives. Jordan’s contributions to disaster relief include significant donations following Hurricane Florence in 2018. Gomez, through her Rare Impact
