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Public Citizen Files GAO Complaint Over Trump “Deep State” Ad

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 2:48 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump launched a taxpayer-funded TV ad warning of a final battle against the deep state.
The 30-second ad aired during NFL games on Sept. 27, five weeks before the Nov. 3 midterms.
Sen. Patty Murray led Democrats in calling the ads illegal propaganda and sent a Sept. 24 letter to Susie Wiles.
Public Citizen filed a GAO complaint alleging Hatch Act violations; AdImpact estimated spending over $1.7 million.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump launched a taxpayer-funded TV ad warning of a final battle against the deep state.
The 30-second ad aired during NFL games on Sept. 27, five weeks before the Nov. 3 midterms.
Sen. Patty Murray led Democrats in calling the ads illegal propaganda and sent a Sept. 24 letter to Susie Wiles.
Public Citizen filed a GAO complaint alleging Hatch Act violations; AdImpact estimated spending over $1.7 million.