President Donald Trump announced on Monday, October 5, 2026, that his political action committee or personal funds will pay for television advertisements previously funded by the U.S. government. The decision follows criticism regarding the use of taxpayer money for the spots, which feature the president and have aired nationally in the weeks leading up to the November congressional elections. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that while he viewed the ads as a "positive promotion" for the country, they would no longer utilize public funding.
Democratic lawmakers said last month that the White House had transferred $20 million from the Department of Homeland Security to fund the broadcasts. Critics, including ethics experts and legislators, argued the ads resemble campaign materials and may violate restrictions on government-funded political activity. The New York Times reported, citing sources, that the president personally instructed the White House budget director to use public funds for the television spots.
The advertisements, which have appeared during programs such as football games as recently as Sunday, October 4, 2026, include footage of the president praising a "golden age of America." One spot features a chorus repeating the phrase "love me" while Trump declares that the nation will never be a communist country. Another ad shows the president alongside images of Mount Rushmore. A White House official, speaking anonymously, said that future airings will be funded by the MAGA Inc political action committee, which holds approximately $400 million.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the expenditure on Monday as a misuse of public funds and called for an independent investigation. Democratic congressmen have also sought probes into whether the spots violated prohibitions against government-funded propaganda.
The ads appeared shortly before the November midterm elections, which will determine whether Republicans maintain control of both chambers of Congress. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr, a Republican, stated last week that the ads were appropriate and declined to open an investigation. The ads previously carried a "paid for by the U.S. government" disclaimer. The congressional midterm elections are scheduled for November 2026.