US President Donald Trump said Monday that taxpayer funds will no longer be used for television ads featuring him, which he claimed were a “standard thing to do,” and said the cost will instead be borne by his super PAC.
The campaign-style ads, which cost at least $1.5 million (€1.34 million) in federal funds, drew criticism from lawmakers and ethics experts across the political divide.
What did Trump say about the controversial ads?
Labelling the ads a “positive promotion for our Great USA,” the US president said he decided to bear the costs himself and through his MAGA Inc. political action committee.
“This is a rather standard thing to do but, rather than doing that, although nothing will make them happy, I have decided to do the Patriotic Ads, among others, and pay for them myself, and with money I raised for MAGA,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
A White House official confirmed that MAGA Inc. would fund the ads going forward.
The MAGA Inc. super PAC had a war chest of more than $400 million by the end of July.
Trump ads warn of ‘final battle’
The ads, which began airing in late September, feature Trump promoting his policies and warning against communism and of a “final battle” against “globalists.”
They end with a disclaimer saying they were paid for by the US government.
Critics, including lawmakers from both parties, have questioned whether the ads violate restrictions on government propaganda and partisan political activity.
Democrats have said the administration transferred $20 million from the Department of Homeland Security to fund the ads and have called for independent investigations.
Trump has not said whether taxpayers will be reimbursed for the ads already aired.
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Edited by: Rana Taha
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