Public Citizen files complaint over Trump ads

Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen asked the FCC and FTC to stop broadcasters airing Trump campaign ads paid for with US government funds, alleging violations of anti-propaganda laws.

The Final Battle ad airs nationwide

The ad titled The Final Battle aired during NBC's Saturday Night Live, Fox News Sunday, and college and NFL football games. It features Trump in black-and-white footage marching down a corridor with stern expression.

Ad uses 2024 campaign material

The Final Battle uses the same video and audio from an ad Trump's campaign committee ran in 2024. The main difference is the 2024 version was paid for by the campaign, not the US government.

Trump's words in the ad

Trump says in the ad: This is the final battle. With you at my side, we will demolish the deep state. We will expel the warmongers from our government.

“This is the final battle. With you at my side, we will demolish the deep state. We will expel the warmongers from our government.”

Department of Homeland Security funded the ads

Department of Homeland Security funds were used to pay for the ads. According to the Wall Street Journal, President Trump personally pushed for the ads and has been involved in their creation.

Senate Democrats cite twenty million dollars spent

Senate Democrats said in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that DHS has dedicated twenty million dollars to the ad scheme, tapping funds provided to US Customs and Border Protection.

One point seven million already spent airing ads

Analytics firm AdImpact estimated that over one point seven million dollars in federal funds have already been spent simply airing these ads, according to a Senate Democrats letter.

Public Citizen says ads are not public service announcements

Public Citizen argued the ads do not qualify as public service announcements because they do not refer to any specific governmental program or inform the public about one.

Ads designed to boost Trump before midterms

Public Citizen said the ads are designed to boost the image and character of Donald Trump right before the twenty twenty-six midterm elections and benefit the president's political party.

Complaints filed with GAO and Office of Special Counsel

Public Citizen filed a separate complaint with the US Government Accountability Office and Office of Special Counsel, alleging violations of federal laws prohibiting government expenditures for propaganda and the Hatch Act.

Rep. Raskin calls ads potential felony theft

US Rep. Jamie Raskin said the Trump ads may be felony criminal theft and conversion of government property for political campaign purposes and a Hatch Act violation for government employees who worked on them.

Republican senators oppose using taxpayer dollars

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Sen. John Kennedy both said the ads should not be paid for with taxpayer dollars. Kennedy said no public official should spend public money on private ads for themselves.

“I don't think any public official, including President Trump or Kristi Noem or John Kennedy, should spend public money on private ads for themselves.”