Story perspectives

Senators Demand Details on $20M Trump TV Ad Contract

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 10:27 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security allocated $20 million to produce three TV ads praising President Donald Trump.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection awarded the contract to Maryland marketing firm LMD.
Senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy sent a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding contract details.
At least $1.7 million has been spent airing the ads on major networks such as Fox News, CNN, CBS, ABC and NBC.

History

Historical Context

The phrase “If You See Something, Say Something” originated with Allen Kay’s 2002 New York MTA campaign, which raised reported suspicious packages from 814 in 2002 to over 37,000 in 2003. The Department of Homeland Security later adopted the slogan for a 2005 public-awareness drive, and its 2024 $20 million pro-Trump ads echo that earlier use, prompting congressional calls for budget reform.

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Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security allocated $20 million to produce three TV ads praising President Donald Trump.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection awarded the contract to Maryland marketing firm LMD.
Senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy sent a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding contract details.
At least $1.7 million has been spent airing the ads on major networks such as Fox News, CNN, CBS, ABC and NBC.

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