Government-funded Trump ads draw legal complaints and bipartisan criticism

President Donald Trump and the White House defended a series of government-funded television advertisements after lawmakers, advocacy groups and legal experts questioned whether they violate federal restrictions on propaganda and political activity.

At least three ads aired on television and streaming platforms, including during college football and NFL broadcasts. One promotes Trump’s policy record and opposition to communism; another uses footage from a speech marking the country’s 250th anniversary; and a third is nearly identical to a 2024 Trump campaign video in which he describes a “final battle” against political opponents, the media and the “deep state.” The Associated Press, cited by Fortune, reported that public spending on the campaign was approaching at least $1.5 million, although the government entity supplying the funds remained unclear.

The White House characterized the commercials as public service announcements encouraging Americans to love their country. Trump said he was promoting the country rather than himself or another candidate and offered to reimburse the government if the spending were found improper.

Several legal experts told the AP that the ads appear to conflict with laws barring the use of appropriated funds for publicity or propaganda. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said taxpayers should not fund them. Democratic Reps. Jamie Raskin and George Whitesides requested investigations by the Government Accountability Office and Office of Special Counsel, while Public Citizen filed an FCC complaint.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the ads were ordinary public service announcements and did not warrant agency review. Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez raised concerns about their political message and proximity to the midterm elections.