Democrats Demand Probe Into $20 Million Government Ad Campaign Featuring Trump

Two senior Democratic lawmakers on Thursday called for independent investigations into a government-funded television ad campaign featuring President Donald Trump. The request, coming just five weeks before congressional midterm elections, alleges an illegal use of taxpayer money for political purposes.

Probe Sought Over Use of Public Funds

In a letter seen by Reuters, Representatives Jamie Raskin and George Whitesides asked the Government Accountability Office and the Office of Special Counsel to determine if the use of government funds was illegal. The lawmakers allege that the White House transferred $20 million in Department of Homeland Security funds to air the advertisements.

The letter describes the spots as "desperate pre-election propaganda" and an "illegal use of taxpayer funds." The lawmakers argue that the ads are "virtually identical" to ones used during Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, utilizing the same footage and messaging.

Ads Draw Widespread Criticism

The three nationally broadcast ads, which celebrate a "golden age of America," have drawn criticism from ethics experts and lawmakers who say they may violate longstanding restrictions on government propaganda. One ad reportedly describes a "final battle" against the "deep state" and closely resembles a 2024 Trump campaign ad, according to the source.

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Separately, the watchdog group Public Citizen filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The group argues the spots are campaign advertisements that should not have been produced or distributed using taxpayer resources. All the ads conclude with a disclaimer stating they were paid for by the U.S. government.

White House and Regulatory Response

President Trump defended the advertisements on Wednesday, stating they were for the country's benefit. "I’m not running for office," he said, as reported by Reuters. "If somebody said that that’s wrong, I’ll gladly pay the money... I’m not promoting myself because I’m not running for office."

FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Republican appointed by Trump, said on Wednesday that he considered the ads to be appropriate. The dispute highlights growing political tensions over the use of departmental budgets for activities that could be perceived as influencing public opinion ahead of an election.