Federal judge orders Trump administration to halt $20M taxpayer-funded ads

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U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon of the Southern District of New York issued a temporary restraining order on Sunday night, October 11, ordering the Trump administration to immediately stop airing taxpayer-funded television ads glorifying President Trump and to cancel all remaining placements — including those scheduled for Sunday evening. The order took effect at 6:45 p.m. EDT and lasts two weeks, during which the government may not sign, renew or expand any agreement to develop or air the challenged ads.

The ads began airing in late September, produced and placed with about $20 million from the Department of Homeland Security. One spot features images and clips of Trump overlaid with quotes from his speeches denouncing communism and crediting himself with "the largest tax cuts in history," ending with a disclaimer that it was paid for by the U.S. government. The plaintiffs include the nonpartisan watchdog Common Cause, union SEIU Local 32BJ and an Alabama state house candidate, who allege the unlawful repurposing of appropriated funds for political propaganda; the Democratic National Committee and Wisconsin Democrats filed separate suits.

In a filing Saturday, the government argued the campaign was already set to end Sunday — "the alleged offending conduct will end tomorrow" — making an order unnecessary. Trump said last Monday the ads were "positive promotion for our great U.S.A." but would no longer be taxpayer-funded; the White House says his MAGA PAC will fund them going forward and will not reimburse taxpayers for ads already aired. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday night.