President Donald Trump made a sharp turn on television ads praising him, ahead of the midterms . The ads had drawn much backlash for being ‘campaign-style spots’.
Trump announced his about turn on TV ads on Truth Social. The Republican President described the ads as ‘a positive promotion for our Great U.S.A. However, he made it clear that the taxpayers wouldn’t be paying for them.
The Trump TV ads are facing pushback from lawmakers who have questioned whether public funds are being used to promote Trump politically. Critics also added that the ads may violate restrictions on government propaganda and political activity. The ads end with a disclaimer that they were paid for by the US government.
Democrats said in September the White House transferred $20 million in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds to air these ads. One of the Trump TV ads closely resembles a 2024 campaign ad for the president.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr said last week the ads were appropriate and rejected a request for investigation. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called for an independent investigation on Monday, calling it a “staggering misuse of public funding and breach of public trust.
