Department of Homeland Security awards $20 million media contract

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a $20 million contract to the Maryland-based LMD Agency for a ‘National Media Campaign’. According to reports, funds were moved into a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) account designated for ‘commemorative events’ on September 19, with the contract being awarded the following day.

The resulting television advertisements have drawn criticism from lawmakers and ethics experts for prominently featuring Donald Trump and utilizing imagery and themes similar to political campaign messaging. While the White House has characterized the advertisements as public-service announcements, critics argue the campaign serves to promote a political figure using taxpayer money.

This follows a previous $220 million DHS advertising operation that featured former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.