Trump administration ordered to cancel taxpayer-funded TV ads
A federal judge issued a two-week order Sunday requiring the administration to stop making or extending agreements for the disputed television ads. The Justice Department had argued the restriction was unnecessary because the campaign was about to end.
The commercials began airing in late September and promote President Donald Trump’s political themes, including through footage from his previous campaign. The administration has described them as public service announcements.
A senior Homeland Security official said the spending came from congressional funds that can be used for activities related to border security. Critics argue the ads use public money for political purposes rather than to help people access government services.
The order followed a lawsuit brought by plaintiffs represented by Democracy Forward. The Democratic National Committee has also sued over the ads, while attorneys for musician JMSN have objected to the use of his song in one commercial. The court order is temporary.
Key points
- The judge barred new or expanded agreements for the ads during a two-week period.
- The administration said the ad campaign was ending and Trump said future costs would come from political fundraising.
- The DNC has filed a separate lawsuit, and a musician’s lawyers challenged use of his song.