Judge Orders Halt to Taxpayer-Funded Pro-Trump Ads

The Department of Homeland Security told a federal court its taxpayer-funded ads promoting President Donald Trump end Sunday. The Justice Department argued that makes a restraining order unnecessary.

• $19 million spent of $20 million allocated, per a sworn DHS declaration.
• 13 or more ads were created, according to CNN's reporting.
• Ads aired on Fox News, CNN, CBS, ABC, ESPN and Newsmax.
• 86% of Reuters/Ipsos respondents called the taxpayer-funded ads inappropriate.

Why it matters: The case tests whether federal agencies can fund spots that critics call campaign ads before an election. Common Cause says the ads break appropriations law barring partisan or propaganda spending.

• Lawmakers from both parties questioned whether the spending is legal.
• The White House says Trump will not refund money already spent.

How 52 sources split on this story

Where they split: The dispute is whether DHS's pledge to stop the ads ends the case, or whether a court order is still needed.

What’s next: Judge Jennifer L. Rochon of the Southern District of New York has not ruled on the emergency request. She set an expedited weekend briefing schedule.

• Common Cause notes the ad agency contract runs until September 2027.
• Separate suits from the DNC and Wisconsin Democrats remain pending.
• Will the roughly $1 million left on the contract be de-obligated, as DHS says?
• Can Trump legally fund future ads through his super PAC, MAGA Inc.?
• What role did the White House play in producing and placing the ads?