Trump ignites outrage from political world by ‘stealing’ from taxpayers to fund ad campaign: ‘Completely illegal’

The White House is running a series of television ads that resemble campaign messaging, and Democrats, ethics lawyers and a watchdog group say federal money is being used unlawfully to pay for them. President Donald Trump is not on any ballot in this fall's midterm elections, but at least three spots have aired in recent days, each closing with the caption "Paid for by the U. S. Government." Some promise to take on "the deep state" and "fake news," while another promotes his record in office set to a song by JMSN. A newer ad, "Final Battle," aired Sunday and draws on a 2024 Truth Social video in which Trump vows to remove "globalists" and other adversaries from government, according to The Independent.

The cost has not been disclosed. The ads have run on Fox News, CBS, Saturday Night Live and college and NFL football games, and AdImpact indicates spending likely topped $1 million. Senator Chris Murphy accused Trump of spending taxpayer money on his own campaign. Norm Eisen, a former White House ethics lawyer, called it an unlawful misuse of public funds and said federal law bars taxpayer-funded political propaganda.

On September 24, congressional Democrats on appropriations and finance panels demanded the spot be pulled and staff disciplined. Senator Maggie Hassan asked for the price tag, funding source and everyone involved. Public Citizen filed a complaint on September 25 alleging Hatch Act violations. The president is largely exempt from that law, but staff who made the ads could face scrutiny.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →