Taxpayer-funded Trump ads began airing nationally Thursday. Musician JMSN says one spot used his song “Love Me” without permission; the White House calls the ads public-service announcements, while Democrats question their legality and cost.
The first ad shows images of Trump, says “America will never be a communist country,” and promotes tax cuts, domestic manufacturing and law enforcement; UFC CEO Dana White praises him in a voice-over. A second spot recounts the U.S. capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and features Trump and Cabinet officials. The government produced the ads and bought airtime through an ad agency; versions run 30 or 60 seconds.
The White House says the spots are educational public-service announcements with no call to action, noting that Trump is not on the ballot. Sen. Maggie Hassan sought details on costs, contractors, the funding source and whether money was diverted from federal agencies. Democratic appropriators in Congress demanded the ads be pulled, alleging a federal-law violation. Campaign-finance experts said the ads likely do not violate election law; Columbia law professor Richard Briffault said questions remain about whether they violate federal restrictions on government propaganda.
