New Trump-focused "Love Me" ad campaign paid for by taxpayers hits airwaves

A taxpayer-funded ad campaign celebrating President Trump began airing nationally on cable and broadcast networks, including CBS, this week. The first spot, which debuted Wednesday on Fox News Channel, uses JMSN's song "Love Me" over a montage of Trump at rallies, pardoning turkeys, holding the FIFA trophy and meeting military leaders, with on-screen text declaring "America will never be a communist country" and closing with praise from UFC CEO Dana White. JMSN said on X he never authorized use of his music for "ANY political agenda or campaign." A second spot recounting the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro aired Thursday, with both ads disclosed as "Paid for by the U.S. Government" and produced in multiple lengths through an ad agency, according to CBS News.

The White House described the spots as public service announcements meant to inspire patriotism, insisting they are not political since Trump isn't on the ballot and include no call to action. Democrats disagreed. Senator Maggie Hassan wrote to Chief of Staff Susie Wiles questioning the spending and possible violation of propaganda laws, while Senators Patty Murray and Jack Reed and Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Steny Hoyer called it illegal government propaganda and demanded it be pulled. Columbia law professor Richard Briffault said the ad likely doesn't violate election law but raised similar propaganda concerns. Senator Jacky Rosen is pushing an amendment to her bill banning taxpayer-funded ads featuring cabinet officials in response.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CBS News’s reporting. Read the full story at CBS News →