Judge orders ads cancelled

U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in New York ordered President Trump to cancel remaining television commercials paid for with taxpayer money promoting his political message.

Twenty million dollars from DHS

The Department of Homeland Security tapped twenty million dollars in taxpayer money for the ads. Legal experts said this violated federal law against using congressionally appropriated funds for propaganda.

Coalition challenged the campaign

A coalition including the nonpartisan watchdog Common Cause challenged the ads as an illegal misuse of funds. Judge Rochon sided with them and granted a temporary restraining order.

Trump defended then reversed course

Trump initially defended the taxpayer-funded ads as standard. Facing backlash, he said he would pay for them from his political fundraising account instead.

“rather standard”

Ads glorified Trump's messaging

The ads began airing in late September and glorified Trump while echoing his political messaging. One featured him discussing communism, another replayed his presidential campaign ad.

Republicans and Democrats objected

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said the ads should not be paid for with taxpayer dollars. Senate Democrats called it egregious and illegal misuse of tax money.

“It shouldn't be paid for with taxpayer dollars”

Artist demands song removed

Attorneys for artist JMSN, whose song Love Me was used in one ad, sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding the Trump administration stop using his music for political purposes.

“I would never authorize my music to be used for ANY political agenda or campaign”