A federal judge in New York issued a temporary restraining order on Sunday night, ordering the cancellation of remaining television advertisements that utilized millions of dollars in taxpayer funds to promote President Donald Trump. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition including the nonpartisan watchdog group Common Cause and the nonprofit Democracy Forward.
US District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon characterized the commercials as an illegal misuse of public funds. Under the order, which remains in effect for two weeks, the defendants are prohibited from entering into, renewing, or expanding any agreements related to the development, dissemination, or airing of the challenged advertisements.
The legal battle arose after the advertisements began airing in late September. Produced using $20 million in taxpayer money allocated by the Department of Homeland Security, the spots featured Trump promoting his policy agenda while warning against communism and describing a “final battle” against “globalists.” Each commercial concluded with a disclaimer stating they were paid for by the US government.
The Justice Department had argued late Saturday that the restraining order was unnecessary because the ad campaign was scheduled to conclude the following day. However, the judge proceeded with the order, noting the plaintiffs’ concerns about further broadcasts during weekend programming.
Legal experts have contended that the spending violates a federal statute prohibiting the use of congressionally appropriated money for “publicity or propaganda,” alongside other potential legal infractions. In a statement, Democracy Forward noted there is “no legal justification — and no precedent” for the president to utilize government machinery and congressional funds to influence electoral outcomes.
Despite the court’s intervention, Trump defended the ads prior to the ruling, describing them on Monday as “rather standard” and a “positive promotion for our great USA.” He also indicated that taxpayer money would no longer fund the spots moving forward. The White House stated that the president’s political action committee would assume costs for future advertisements, though it declined to reimburse taxpayers for the money already spent on the current campaign.
Virginia Kase Solomon, president and CEO of Common Cause, said the organization would not stop until the administration is held fully accountable, emphasizing that no president should be permitted to abuse taxpayer funds for propaganda.
The plaintiffs, which include a public employee union and a candidate for the Alabama state representative, had urged the court to issue the block by Friday to prevent the ads from airing during high-viewership weekend shows such as football games and “Saturday Night Live.” Meanwhile, Democrats have initiated a separate legal challenge against the advertisements in a federal court in Washington.
Does this block only apply to the current spots? I’m curious if they’ll find another way to air similar content using different funds.
Wait, they’re blaming the ads on a PAC but won’t reimburse the initial funds? That sounds like a loophole, not accountability.
Absolutely shocking that $20 million of taxpayer money was used for political propaganda. This ruling is long overdue and necessary.