Story perspectives

Trump White House Used Federal Funds for JMSN Ad

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 3:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump Adviser Confirms

A senior adviser to President Donald Trump confirmed White House spent federal funds on the “Love Me” ad.
White House proceeded despite staff concerns about the ad’s funding.
Internal GOP operatives privately called the “Love Me” ad “pathetic” and a “bad idea.”
Legal scholars said the ad lacks a specific policy program, weakening its PSA justification.
AdImpact reported spending rose from just over $14,000 to about $630,000.

Summary

JMSN Challenges Ad

Christian Berishaj (JMSN) sent a letter to Susie Wiles demanding ad stop using his song “Love Me.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration aired the “Love Me” ad on Fox News, labeling it “paid for by U.S. government.”
JMSN denied authorizing the song’s use, saying he would never allow it for political campaign.
Rep. Jamie Raskin said ad may constitute felony theft, conversion of government property, and a Hatch Act violation.

History

Historical Context

The Hatch Act of 1939, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, barred federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity to protect democratic governance. The law, administered by the Department of Labor, covered roughly 1.5 million workers and imposed $0-penalties for violations and authorized $5,000 fines for each infraction. Today, the Trump administration’s $630,000 “Love Me” ad, aired on Fox News and challenged by JMSN, echoes Hatch Act breaches and drew criticism from Rep. Jamie Raskin. If investigators confirm misuse, the Office of Special Counsel may pursue penalties, reinforcing the Act’s century-long effort to curb politicized spending, potentially prompting congressional scrutiny.

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Trump Adviser Confirms

A senior adviser to President Donald Trump confirmed White House spent federal funds on the “Love Me” ad.
White House proceeded despite staff concerns about the ad’s funding.
Internal GOP operatives privately called the “Love Me” ad “pathetic” and a “bad idea.”
Legal scholars said the ad lacks a specific policy program, weakening its PSA justification.
AdImpact reported spending rose from just over $14,000 to about $630,000.

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