President Trump announced his super PAC will pay for nationwide TV ads previously funded by taxpayers. Over $10 million in ads have aired since September under a $20 million Department of Homeland Security contract. Critics, including Democrats and some Republicans, argue the ads violate federal laws against using public funds for propaganda.
The White House defended them as public service announcements, but critics noted campaign-originated footage. Trump posted on his social media platform that he would pay for the ads “myself” using funds raised for MAGA, Inc. The ads, broadcast on cable and network TV, featured a disclaimer: “Paid for by the U.S. government.” One ad used the song “Love Me” by JMSN, who objected. Federal records show U.S. Customs and Border Protection awarded the contract to LMD, a Maryland marketing firm, on Sept. 20.
Trump claimed the ads promote the country, not himself. The White House and MAGA Inc. did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint alleging Trump violated election laws by directing the super PAC. MAGA Inc. reported holding about $415 million in September and had allocated $194 million for advertising.
Trump previously defended the use of taxpayer money, stating he would “gladly pay the money” if told it was wrong.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing