Homeland Security Spending $20M in Taxpayer Funds for Pro-Trump Ads

U.S. Customs and Border Protection funded a pro-Trump television ad campaign now under bipartisan scrutiny weeks before November's midterm elections. Federal contract records show a $20 million contract was awarded to Maryland-based LMD Agency on Sept. 20 for a 'National Media Campaign.'

• $20 million contract went to LMD Agency the day after funds moved into a CBP account.
• At least $1.7 million has been spent airing three separate TV ads featuring Trump.
• The funds appear drawn from the 2025 tax and spending bill's $6.2 billion border security allocation.
• The ads have run during college football and NFL programming, among other programming.

Why it matters: Legal experts say the ads may violate two federal statutes: one barring appropriated funds from being used for 'publicity or propaganda,' and one limiting partisan political activity by government employees.

• Richard Painter, a former White House ethics official under President George W. Bush, said the ads differ from prior administrations' PSAs because they are not aimed at helping the public access a specific government program.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, said the ads 'shouldn't be paid for with taxpayer dollars.'

How 24 sources split on this story

Where they split: The dispute centers on whether the ads are legitimate public service announcements or impermissible political propaganda funded by money appropriated for border security.

What’s next: Sens. Patty Murray and Chris Murphy wrote to DHS alleging $20 million was diverted for the ad campaign.

• Watchdog group Public Citizen filed complaints with the FCC and FTC urging broadcasters to stop airing the ads.
• The Government Accountability Office and Office of Special Counsel have also been asked to investigate.
• Whether any congressional oversight body will hold hearings before the November midterm elections.
• Whether federal regulators will act on the complaints filed by Public Citizen.
• Whether LMD Agency or DHS will release a full accounting of how the $20 million is being spent.