Trump’s ads paid by taxpayers are not sitting well with Americans: new poll

A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds that 86 percent of American voters object to taxpayer money funding political advertising starring the president shortly before an election, while only nine percent consider it appropriate. The finding lands as President Donald Trump faces legal and political pushback over a $20 million run of 30-second spots labeled as paid for by the U.S. Government, according to The Independent.

The spots include a recycled 2024 campaign clip of Trump striding down a hallway, a montage of his criticisms of democratic socialism, and a retelling of Nicolas Maduro's capture in January. The White House maintains they are nonpartisan public service messages lacking a call to action. Trump said he would reimburse the cost if it proved improper, then announced on Truth Social that his MAGA Inc PAC would cover the bill.

The Democratic National Committee has sued over a federal restriction on appropriated funds for propaganda, and a coalition including Common Cause, a major union and a candidate from Alabama has filed its own suit. Republicans including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, John Kennedy, Mike Rounds and Thomas Massie have also criticized the spending.

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