Judge halts taxpayer-funded TV ads featuring Trump as Republicans voice criticism
A federal judge in New York ordered the remaining ads cancelled. The Department of Homeland Security had spent $20 million on them. The White House says they are standard public service announcements.
Archive image · Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in New York has issued a temporary restraining order barring President Donald Trump's administration from airing further taxpayer-funded TV ads and requiring it to cancel any remaining slots. For two weeks, the government may not enter into, renew or expand agreements for the ads. The suit was brought by a coalition including the watchdog Common Cause, represented by Democracy Forward.
The Department of Homeland Security spent $20 million on the ads, which began airing in late September. They feature Trump and promote his policies, including the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and the Iran war. The plaintiffs call it an illegal misuse of funds; legal experts point to a federal statute barring appropriated money for "publicity or propaganda." The Democratic National Committee has filed a separate lawsuit.
The White House describes the ads as public service announcements similar to those of past administrations. Trump called them "rather standard" and said future ads would be paid for through political fundraising, while a White House official said there are no immediate plans to reimburse money already spent. Criticism also came from his own party. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said: "It shouldn't be paid for with taxpayer dollars."