Judge Temporarily Blocks Taxpayer-Funded Trump Television Ads

A federal judge temporarily ordered the Trump administration to cancel remaining taxpayer-funded television ads promoting President Donald Trump’s political message. The two-week restraining order applies to a Department of Homeland Security campaign challenged by watchdog groups as an improper use of public funds. The case is ongoing; the judge has not issued a final ruling on the legality of the spending.

The $20 million advertising dispute

DHS allocated $20 million for the television campaign. By Monday morning, October 12, advertising tracker AdImpact had recorded approximately $21.7 million in spending on the five ads, according to CBS/AP; the report cautioned that its tracking might not reflect the exact amount spent. The plaintiffs, including Common Cause, challenged the campaign as political promotion paid for with government money. The administration defended the advertisements as public service messages.

A judge orders an immediate pause

U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in New York ordered the remaining spots canceled and prohibited the development or airing of additional challenged ads under new or expanded agreements during a two-week temporary restraining order. Her ruling addressed the immediate use of public funds while the lawsuit proceeds, rather than finally deciding all legal claims.

Two advertisements air after the deadline

The Washington Post reported that two advertisements continued to air after the court’s deadline. The temporary order remains distinct from the underlying case, which concerns whether the campaign was a lawful use of taxpayer money.

How the campaign may proceed

Trump has said he could fund similar advertising with political money rather than government funds. That would change the financing of future ads but would not resolve questions about the taxpayer money already allocated or spent.

References: Judge orders Trump administration to cancel taxpayer-funded TV ads | Trump blew past deadline to halt running taxpayer-funded campaign-style ads