Trump Administration Created 13 Taxpayer-Funded Ads as $20 Million Campaign Draws Bipartisan Fire
Updated
Updated · CNN · Oct 2
Trump Administration Created 13 Taxpayer-Funded Ads as $20 Million Campaign Draws Bipartisan Fire
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Oct 2
Summary
At least 13 campaign-style ads were produced, with CNN obtaining 12 clips ranging from 15 seconds to three minutes and three already aired on CBS, CNN, Fox News and other networks.
The spots pair patriotic and military imagery with glowing narration about Trump, including "God Made Trump," a UFC White House event recap, and ads on Iran and Venezuela, each labeled "Paid for by the U.S. Government."
An estimated $2.5 million has already been spent from a $20 million allocation, with the money coming from Customs and Border Protection and the buys handled through agency contractor LMD.
Sen. Thom Tillis and Sen. John Cornyn joined Democrats in condemning the spending, while watchdog groups said the ads may violate federal limits on propaganda or partisan use of appropriated funds.
Trump has personally driven the effort, according to prior CNN reporting, and the White House is signaling it plans to expand the campaign despite no congressional move so far to stop it.