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Trump says taxpayers’ dollars will no longer be used for TV ads promoting him
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump announced he and his super PAC, MAGA Inc., will now fund campaign-style ads promoting his administration, instead of using federal taxpayer money, following bipartisan criticism and legal concerns.
- The ads, which have cost the government an estimated $10 million, portrayed Trump favorably and included government disclaimers; one ad closely resembled a 2024 Trump campaign commercial.
- The ads were funded by money originally allocated for U.S. Customs and Border Protection without senior agency leaders' involvement, with a Maryland firm awarded a $20 million contract for the national media campaign.
- Lawmakers from both parties condemned the ads as propaganda, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Thom Tillis criticizing their nature and appropriateness.
- The White House defended the ads as non-political public service announcements aimed at fostering patriotism and national unity.
