By Basant El-Faramawy
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from airing a series of taxpayer-funded advertisements that were later broadcast by a super PAC connected to the president, ruling that the effort constituted an illegal use of public funds for political propaganda.
Judge's ruling
U.S. District Judge Lori AliKhan froze the government's $20 million advertising effort and ordered the challenged ads pulled off the air, less than a week before Election Day. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by the Democratic National Committee accusing the administration of illegally using public money to finance a national propaganda campaign.
DNC reaction
DNC chair Ken Martin called the decision a victory for the rule of law and American taxpayers. He criticized the president's attempt to boost sagging approval ratings ahead of the midterm elections, saying it underscores how out of touch the administration is with working families.
Ad production and airing
The lawsuit alleged that several ads aired by the Trump-connected MAGA Inc. super PAC were initially produced by White House personnel whose salaries are paid with congressional appropriations. One ad, "Every Democrat Voted Against No Tax on Tips," was published by the White House on October 12 and later aired by MAGA Inc. with a disclaimer. A second spot, "President Trump's Second Term: Stephen Miller," followed the same pattern. The White House also released videos titled "Retribution Through Success" and "The Cost of Socialism," which the DNC labeled as domestic propaganda.
Spending and legal challenges
MAGA Inc. has spent more than $277 million on television and direct mail advertising in the last six weeks, totaling over $300 million on midterm campaigns. The Campaign Legal Center has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission accusing the president of controlling and directing the PAC in violation of federal law barring officeholders from soliciting or spending soft money through affiliated committees.
