A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to cancel remaining television advertisements funded with $20 million in taxpayer money, ruling that the government cannot continue airing the disputed commercials while a temporary court order remains in effect.
The group challenged the advertisements, alleging that the administration had unlawfully used public funds to promote President Donald Trump’s political message, The Associated Press reported . US District Judge Jennifer L. The order bars the administration from entering into, renewing or expanding agreements for the development, creation, distribution, placement or airing of the advertisements during the two-week period covered by the ruling. Legal experts have questioned whether the expenditure violates a federal law prohibiting the use of congressionally appropriated money for publicity or propaganda. The lawsuit challenges the government’s use of public funds for advertisements that critics say promote a political message rather than serve a conventional public information purpose.
Rochon in New York issued the temporary restraining order on Sunday night, October 11, siding with a coalition that included nonpartisan watchdog Common Cause. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allocated $20 million in taxpayer money for the television campaign. The funds came from a $175 million package Congress provided to the department as part of Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda.
The spending could also raise questions under other federal laws, according to the AP report.
The case raises questions about how federal agencies can use taxpayer money allocated by Congress, particularly when government communications overlap with a president’s political messaging. The court has not yet issued a final determination on the legality of the advertising expenditure.
Earlier reporting noted: “Defendants shall not enter into, renew, or expand any agreement authorizing the development, creation, dissemination, placement, or airing of the challenged advertisements” during the two-week period covered by the order, the judge said. Earlier reporting noted: US court orders Trump administration to cancel taxpayer-funded political ads A US court on Sunday ordered the Donald Trump administration to cancel television commercials funded with millions of dollars in taxpayer money to promote the president’s political message. Earlier reporting noted: US district judge Jennifer L Rochon in New York issued a temporary restraining order directing the administration to cancel any remaining ads, including those scheduled to air on Sunday night.
White House defends ads as public service announcements
One advertisement was also described as a near replica of a commercial Trump ran during his 2024 presidential re-election campaign.
The campaign was not aimed at helping members of the public benefit from specific government programs, according to the AP.
