DNC files lawsuit alleging Trump's taxpayer-funded ads are illegal propaganda

PBS NewsHour · Fox News, Fox News and NBC News report that the Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration on Wednesday, arguing that television ads promoting President Donald Trump were paid for illegally with public money. The case matters because the spots are airing as early voting begins, weeks before the midterm elections.

The complaint, filed in federal court in Washington, says Trump personally directed the campaign and asks a judge to declare it unlawful and bar further use of federal funds. PBS NewsHour reports that the ads have cost more than $12 million to air, according to AdImpact. Fox News says the $20 million came through the Office of Management and Budget, which moved it into a Customs and Border Protection line item meant for commemorative events. NBC News adds that the suit also invokes the Anti-Deficiency Act and the Purpose Statute, and that Common Cause filed a separate suit.

Trump said Monday that his MAGA Inc. super PAC would cover future costs, but PBS NewsHour says he has not committed to repaying money already spent. NBC News says the White House would not say when the ads still running were paid for.

Summarized by PolitiKool from PBS NewsHour · Fox News, Fox News and NBC News’s reporting. Read the full story at PBS NewsHour · Fox News → Also at Fox News → Also at NBC News →