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Trump administration uses $20M in DHS funds for national TV ad campaign
The Trump administration is facing intense scrutiny for using $20 million in Department of Homeland Security funds to finance a national television advertising campaign featuring President Trump. Federal records indicate that the White House Office of Management and Budget transferred these funds into a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) budget line originally designated for commemorative events and border security, such as memorials and agency anniversaries.
Democratic lawmakers and ethics watchdogs have condemned the ads as illegal political propaganda funded by taxpayers, particularly as they air ahead of midterm elections. Some critics have suggested the campaign may violate federal laws, including the Hatch Act. In response, President Trump defended the spending, asserting that the advertisements are intended to promote the spirit of the country rather than serve as political endorsements.
Reports indicate that CBP leadership was not consulted or informed about the decision to divert agency funds for the media buy. The contract for the campaign was awarded to LMD Agency, a Maryland-based firm, shortly after the funds were reallocated. The advertisements have appeared during news broadcasts and NFL games, often featuring stylized imagery of the President.
Entities
Chuck Schumer · Customs and Border Protection · Department of Homeland Security · Donald Trump · LMD Agency · U.S. Customs and Border Protection · White House Office of Management and Budget
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The funds were moved into a U.S. Customs and Border Protection budget line intended for commemorative events. royalexaminer.com · www.thetrentonline.com · www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Customs and Border Protection leadership was not consulted or informed about the decision to use their agency's funds.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Democratic lawmakers have criticized the ads as political promotion funded by taxpayers. royalexaminer.com · www.thetrentonline.com · abc30.com · cnsmaryland.org · abc11.com · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] LMD Agency, a Maryland-based company, was awarded a $20 million contract for the media campaign. www.thetrentonline.com · www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The White House Office of Management and Budget added $20 million to the commemorative events budget on September 19. www.thetrentonline.com · www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [● 8 SOURCES] The Trump administration used $20 million in Homeland Security funds for a national television ad campaign featuring the President. royalexaminer.com · www.thetrentonline.com · abc30.com · cnsmaryland.org · abc11.com · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] President Trump defended the advertisements, stating they are intended to promote the country rather than himself or political candidates. abc30.com · abc11.com · abc7news.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The television advertisements have been broadcast during news programs and NFL games. cnsmaryland.org