US Judge Blocks Taxpayer-Funded Trump Ads After Bipartisan Backlash
A federal judge has temporarily blocked taxpayer-funded advertisements promoting US President Donald Trump after a lawsuit alleged they amounted to political propaganda ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from using taxpayer money for advertisements promoting President Donald Trump, following a bipartisan backlash over the campaign.
US District Judge Jennifer Rochon in Manhattan issued the order on Sunday after Common Cause, a public watchdog group, and other plaintiffs challenged the advertisements. The lawsuit alleged that the commercials were political propaganda intended to benefit Republican candidates in the November 3 midterm elections rather than serve the public interest.
The advertisements began airing in late September and ended with a disclaimer stating that the US government had paid for them. The controversy intensified as the election approached.
The administration had already indicated plans to stop running the advertisements before the judge issued the order, according to a court filing submitted on Saturday.
Trump described the campaign as a positive promotion for the United States. The White House also said his political action committee, MAGA PAC, would finance future advertisements. However, it said the committee would not reimburse taxpayers for commercials that had already aired.
Common Cause said it would continue seeking accountability over the use of public funds. The lawsuit also included a public employee union and a candidate for Alabama state representative.
Democratic Party officials challenged the advertisements separately in federal court in Washington.
The ruling adds to scrutiny over the use of government resources during an election campaign. The Justice Department had not immediately commented on the judge’s order.
