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DHS funds used for pro-Trump television advertisements
The Trump administration is facing bipartisan criticism for using Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds to finance television advertisements featuring President Donald Trump. Federal records indicate that $20 million was transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) account designated for 'commemorative events' on September 19, with a $20 million contract for a 'National Media Campaign' awarded to the Maryland-based LMD Agency the following day.
AdImpact estimates the government has spent between $1.7 million and $2.5 million on three distinct advertisements. The commercials, which have aired during high-profile broadcasts such as NFL games and 'Saturday Night Live', include messages regarding patriotism and the 'deep state'. One advertisement reportedly used music by the artist JMSN without permission, prompting a cease-and-desist letter.
Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy have demanded explanations, alleging the use of taxpayer funds for political messaging is an illegal misuse of resources. Additionally, the advocacy group Public Citizen has filed complaints with the FCC, FTC, and GAO, alleging the ads violate the Hatch Act and anti-propaganda laws. The White House has defended the broadcasts, characterizing them as 'unapologetically patriotic' public service announcements intended to educate Americans about defending the country.
Entities
Department of Homeland Security · Donald Trump · LMD Agency · Markwayne Mullin · Public Citizen · U.S. Customs and Border Protection · White House
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] The federal government has spent at least $1.7 million on three different television ads featuring Trump. www.singtaousa.com · thepulseofnh.com · www.world-today-news.com · abc11.com · abc13.com · +6 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] The White House defended the advertisements as educational public service announcements intended to promote patriotism. www.singtaousa.com · thepulseofnh.com · mymotherlode.com · arstechnica.com · www.independent.co.uk · +5 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] A $20 million contract for a 'National Media Campaign' was awarded to the Maryland-based LMD Agency. www.singtaousa.com · thepulseofnh.com · mymotherlode.com · www.world-today-news.com · abc11.com · +5 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Funds were transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection account designated for 'commemorative events' on September 19. www.singtaousa.com · thepulseofnh.com · www.world-today-news.com · abc11.com · abc13.com · +4 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy demanded explanations regarding the use of taxpayer funds for political messaging. mymotherlode.com · www.independent.co.uk · www.arabnews.pk · english.mathrubhumi.com · www.joemygod.com · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Public Citizen filed complaints with the FCC, FTC, and GAO alleging the ads violate anti-propaganda and Hatch Act laws. www.radiofree.org · arstechnica.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Legal representatives for the artist JMSN issued a cease-and-desist letter to the White House regarding the use of his music in an advertisement. www.nbcnews.com · 24-ore.com
- [● 13 SOURCES] The Trump administration used Department of Homeland Security funds to finance television advertisements featuring President Donald Trump. www.singtaousa.com · thepulseofnh.com · mymotherlode.com · www.radiofree.org · www.world-today-news.com · +7 more