WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump said Monday that he would fund future television ads promoting his administration himself and through his super PAC, MAGA Inc., after lawmakers from both parties criticized the use of taxpayer money.
Trump announced the change on Truth Social, defending the advertisements as patriotic messages promoting the United States.
His announcement did not include a commitment to reimburse the government for ads that have already aired. Asked Tuesday whether he would repay those funds, Trump told reporters, “we’ll decide.”
AdImpact, which tracks advertising spending, estimated that nearly twelve million dollars’ worth of the government-funded ads had aired. The Department of Homeland Security committed twenty million dollars to the campaign.
The advertisements began running in late September on cable and broadcast television, including during football games. They carry a government funding disclaimer. One features Trump discussing communism; another closely resembles an advertisement from his last presidential campaign.
The White House has defended the commercials as public service announcements that explain administration policies. Officials say the ads do not ask viewers to vote and note that Trump is not running in the upcoming midterm elections.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said taxpayers should not pay for the ads. Democratic Sens. Patty Murray of Washington and Chris Murphy of Connecticut have sought an investigation into the spending.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer demanded reimbursement Tuesday and questioned whether Trump’s proposed funding arrangement would violate restrictions on coordination with super PACs.
According to budget records cited by Roll Call, the administration moved Customs and Border Protection funding into an account for commemorative events before using it for the advertising campaign.
