WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House is facing growing scrutiny over taxpayer-funded ads that critics argue promote President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies.
The ads have drawn criticism from Democrats — and now some Republicans — as questions grow over whether the ads violate federal laws.
The White House has come under fire after a series of ads that have so far cost taxpayers $2.5 dollars in airtime alone, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact.
The administration calls them public service announcements, but critics say they look and sound more like promotion for the president and his agenda.
“These aren’t public service announcements. These are ads designed to elevate Donald Trump because he has record low approval ratings across the board,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., during an interview on CNN. “This is another example of how taxpayer dollars are being misused by the Trump cartel to try to elevate themselves or enrich themselves, their family members, their friends and their donors, as opposed to actually doing what Democrats will be focused on, which is spending taxpayer dollars to make life more affordable for hardworking American taxpayers,” Jeffries added.
The ads are running on network and cable television, as well as streaming platforms, including during high-profile college football and NFL programming.
Although Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Monday he supports the message of the ads, he does not believe taxpayers should be the ones paying for them.
Republican senators Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and John Cornyn, R-Texas — who’ve both sparred with the president recently — were not shy with their criticism of the ads.
“That’s not how we should be spending taxpayer dollars,” said Sen. Tillis. “If you want to spend money out of your super PAC or the campaign account to communicate that message, that’s fine. It’s not an appropriate PSA.”
“I just think it creates a bad taste in people’s mouth that their tax dollars may be misused for political purposes. So I think it’s a bad idea and needs to stop,” said Sen. Cornyn.
The White House argues the ads aren’t campaign commercials, but rather public service announcements similar to those used by previous administrations.
Several government watchdog groups are pointing to federal laws that restrict government-funded publicity and limit partisan political activity by federal employees.
New reporting suggests a total of $20 million has been allocated for the campaign. We reached out to the White House to confirm the dollar amount budgeted for the campaign, as well as where the money is coming from.
“These public service announcements are about reminding Americans to love their country and understand what makes it worth defending, at home, at our borders, and abroad. The ad is educational and unapologetically patriotic. We should be proud of our country,” a White House Spokesperson said.
For now, Republicans control both chambers of Congress. With senators now joining the House for a month-long midterm break, the ads are unlikely to face any significant congressional oversight, at least until November’s midterm elections.
