DID Press: A federal judge in New York has ordered the administration of US President Donald Trump to cancel all remaining television advertisements funded by public money that promote his political message.
US District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon issued a temporary restraining order following a lawsuit brought by a coalition of organisations, including the nonpartisan watchdog group Common Cause. The plaintiffs argued that using taxpayers’ money to fund the advertisements amounted to an unlawful use of public funds for political promotion.
The US Department of Homeland Security had allocated approximately $20 million in public funds for the advertising campaign. The advertisements began airing in late September and featured messages highlighting Trump’s policies and political agenda. Critics argued that the campaign resembled political advertising rather than conventional public service announcements.
The White House defended the advertisements as public information campaigns similar to those used by previous administrations. The Justice Department also argued that the court order was unnecessary because the campaign was already scheduled to end. However, Judge Rochon ordered the administration to stop any remaining broadcasts and prohibited new or expanded agreements for the advertisements during the two-week period covered by the order.
The ruling followed growing criticism of the campaign, including objections from some Republican lawmakers. Trump had previously said that future advertisements would be funded through political fundraising rather than public money. However, the administration had not announced plans to reimburse the government for funds already spent.