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DOJ ‘apologizes’ for running Trump’s taxpayer ads hundreds of times despite court order yanking them from airwaves
The Independent • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop airing taxpayer-funded campaign-style ads promoting the president and his agenda, but nearly 400 spots continued to run past the court deadline.
- The ads, costing over $15 million and airing more than 16,000 times, included political messages such as "Final Battle" and "The Country He Loves," featuring endorsements from figures like UFC president Dana White.
- The Department of Justice apologized for the delay in enforcing the court order, citing late notification to agency counsel, while Homeland Security began canceling ad placements following the injunction.
- Plaintiffs and critics argue the ads are unlawful political propaganda misusing taxpayer funds, with calls for Trump to reimburse the government, though the White House denies plans for reimbursement.
- The legal battle continues as the administration is barred from further use of Department of Homeland Security funds for these ads, and eight additional ads remain unaired due to the injunction.
