President Donald Trump’s administration paid for TV ads showing him in a favorable light using money intended for U.S.Customs and Border Protection, an official confirmed to NBC News.The source of the funding for the controversial ads the White House has described as public service announcements was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees CBP, referred requests for comments to the White House, which did not immediately respond.The unusual ads — one of which is nearly identical to a 2024 Trump campaign ad — include disclaimers stating they were paid for by the U.S.
government.The administration’s apparent use of taxpayer money to produce ads that resemble campaign advertisements has drawn bipartisan criticism.“It’s a great message.
I like the message,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters on Monday of the most recent ad, “but it shouldn’t be paid for with taxpayer dollars.”Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Monday only Trump would have “the audacity to force Americans not only to watch his propaganda, but to pay for it.”Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sen.Susan Collins, R-Maine, confirmed the official’s account of the source of funds, saying “It was taken out of funding that was supposed to be for Customs and Border Protection” in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill.”For SubscribersFOR SUBSCRIBERSThe complicated bargain between ‘looksmaxxing’ influencer Clavicular and the women in his orbitFOR SUBSCRIBERSSenators unveil bipartisan bill to deliver essential newborn supply kits to new momsFOR SUBSCRIBERSBig Tech’s AI agents are fighting over your shopping cartFOR SUBSCRIBERSDemocrats face a staggering spending disadvantage in Georgia’s tight race for governorFOR SUBSCRIBERSObama boosts Senate Democrats with October fundraiserFOR SUBSCRIBERSTheir owner is suspended, their draft picks taken.
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