Full Breakdown
Trump Directs DHS Funds for $20 Million TV Ads Praising His Presidency
By Drooid · · How we work
How the $20 Million Contract Was Initiated
President Donald Trump personally instructed his budget director to allocate Department of Homeland Security (DHS) money for television advertisements that highlight his administration. People familiar with the matter say the directive set in motion a $20 million contract funded through DHS. In September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which operates under DHS, awarded the contract to LMD, a Maryland-based marketing firm. The ads have aired on major cable and network outlets, including Fox News, CNN, MS Now, and during football broadcasts on Fox, as well as on national newscasts such as CBS, ABC, NBC, and “Meet the Press.”
Legal Opinions and White House Position
Budget Office counsel Mark Paoletta and White House counsel Will Scharf both advised that using DHS funds for the ads would be legal. The White House has described the spots as public service announcements, emphasizing that they contain no “call to action” for any candidate. President Trump and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles discussed the plan with DHS secretary Markwayne Mullin, and Trump later told reporters that the advertisements are “for the country,” not self-promotion, noting that he is not currently a candidate.
Political Reaction and Criticism
Democratic lawmakers and a number of Republican officials have criticized the arrangement, arguing that it may breach federal statutes that prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for “publicity or propaganda purposes.” Critics contend that the ads function as de facto campaign messaging, despite the White House’s claim of a non-partisan public-service purpose.
Scope and Cost of the Advertising Campaign
At least four advertisement spots have aired so far, with a combined cost of roughly $5.5 million, according to media-tracking firm AdImpact and sources familiar with the spending. The total outlay is expected to rise as additional spots are produced.
What Lies Ahead
The administration has not announced any changes to the campaign, and no formal legal challenge has been filed as of now. Observers note that the use of DHS funds for self-promotional advertising could prompt further scrutiny from congressional oversight committees.