The White House is under scrutiny for using taxpayer money to broadcast TV ads featuring U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. These ads, which have been aired during prime-time slots on both national and local television, including spots during recent NFL games, have already cost at least $1.4 million US, according to AdImpact, an advertising tracking firm.
Criticism of the White House’s decision to finance these campaign-style ads with public funds has been widespread, with even some Republicans, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune, expressing disapproval. This move comes as Trump’s approval ratings hit record lows and his Republican Party faces a potentially damaging outcome in the midterm elections on Nov. 3, which could lead to Democrats gaining control of the U.S. Congress for the remainder of his term.
While U.S. law prohibits the use of government funds for “publicity and propaganda,” Trump’s officials argue that the advertising campaign is within legal boundaries. The White House defended the ads as patriotic public service announcements that are not campaign ads, emphasizing that Trump is not on the ballot and there is no call to action in the commercials.
Despite Trump not being up for re-election in the midterms, he did urge supporters at a recent Republican convention to “pretend that I’m on the ballot,” aiming to rally support for GOP candidates in closely contested House and Senate races. Critics, including Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, have raised concerns about the ads potentially constituting an impeachable offense, as using taxpayer funds for campaigning is prohibited.
One of the ads, titled “Love Me,” features rapid montages of Trump accompanied by a choir singing the song’s title, creating a propagandistic tone. Democratic lawmakers have called for the ad to be withdrawn, denouncing it as government propaganda reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. The ads also include messages touting Trump’s achievements, such as the “Largest Tax Cuts in History” and “Reigniting American Manufacturing.”
The ads, paid for with taxpayer funds from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, have drawn criticism for their overtly pro-Trump messaging. While some experts believe the ads aim to promote Trump and his policies, they doubt the ads will significantly impact public opinion, especially given the saturation of ads during sports broadcasts. Past administrations have also utilized taxpayer funds for public service advertising, with Democrats accusing the Trump administration of using public money for political purposes rather than genuine public service announcements.