Federal judge orders cancellation

U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in New York ordered Trump administration to cancel taxpayer-funded TV ads promoting political message.

“Defendants shall not enter into, renew, or expand any agreement authorizing the development, creation, dissemination, placement, or airing of the challenged advertisements”

Administration claims ads end soon

White House stated the ad campaign was ending, arguing the temporary restraining order was unnecessary as the alleged offending conduct would end tomorrow.

DHS funds used for ads

The Department of Homeland Security tapped $20 million in taxpayer money for the ads, which legal experts said violated federal statutes against using congressionally appropriated funds for publicity.

Plaintiffs call ads unlawful

Plaintiffs from Democracy Forward stated there is no legal justification for the president to use government funds to influence electoral outcomes for his own agenda.

DHS claims funds for border security

Senior DHS official Holly Mehringer wrote the money came from funds appropriated by Congress for commemorating border security events.

Ads glorify Trump's message

The ads, which began airing in late September, glorify Trump and echo his political messaging going into midterms with clips of his speeches and campaigns.

Trump plans to pay from campaign funds

Trump said he would start paying for the ads with a campaign account, while the White House stated there were no immediate plans to reimburse the government.