Story perspectives

FCC Dismisses Complaints Over Pro-Trump Government Ad

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 4:50 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Carr Dismisses Complaints

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr dismissed complaints about a pro-Trump government-funded TV ad.
The ad, featuring President Donald Trump, aired during at least two NFL games and Fox News Sunday, costing $362,000.
JMSN says he never authorized his song “Love Me” for the nearly $920,000 government-funded ad.
Disney, owner of ABC, sued the FCC alleging it targeted the network’s license renewal over editorial decisions.

Summary

Raskin Demands Investigation

Customs and Border Protection awarded a $20 million contract for the national media campaign behind the ads.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) mailed a letter urging the GAO and Office of Special Counsel to investigate the ads.
A White House spokesperson called the spots public service announcements, describing them as educational and unapologetically patriotic.
Senators Patty Murray, Jack Reed and others condemned the ads as illegal propaganda, likening them to North Korea.

History

Historical Context

In 1971, the Supreme Court’s six-to-three decision in New York Times Co. v. United States halted the Nixon administration’s attempt to block Pentagon Papers publication. The Pentagon Papers revealed 47,000 classified pages, and the administration argued the material threatened national security, prompting a temporary injunction. Today's $20 million Customs and Border Protection media contract and $362,000 pro-Trump ad echo the same governmental push to shape domestic narratives, prompting FCC scrutiny. The 1971 ruling established a precedent that any modern propaganda effort, like the contested ads, must withstand First-Amendment challenges and congressional oversight.

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Carr Dismisses Complaints

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr dismissed complaints about a pro-Trump government-funded TV ad.
The ad, featuring President Donald Trump, aired during at least two NFL games and Fox News Sunday, costing $362,000.
JMSN says he never authorized his song “Love Me” for the nearly $920,000 government-funded ad.
Disney, owner of ABC, sued the FCC alleging it targeted the network’s license renewal over editorial decisions.

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