Washington, DC — President Donald Trump will not reimburse the federal government for taxpayer money already spent on television advertisements promoting his administration, despite saying he would “pay for them myself,” the White House confirmed Tuesday.
A White House spokesperson told The Washington Sun that Trump’s statement referred only to future advertising, not repayment of money already spent. The administration says future spots will instead be financed by MAGA Inc., the super PAC aligned with Trump.
The ads have drawn bipartisan criticism because they prominently feature Trump, praise his policies and resemble campaign advertising while carrying disclaimers saying they were paid for by the U.S. government. At least $20 million in Homeland Security funds was allocated for the broader media campaign.
Independent tracking also suggests millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded ads have already aired. The administration has defended the spots as presidential public-service announcements similar to communications used by previous administrations.
Lawmakers and ethics experts have questioned whether the ads violate restrictions on using federal funds for partisan propaganda or political purposes.
Trump’s wording also raises campaign-finance questions because presidents and candidates cannot legally direct the spending of independent super PACs. The White House has not explained how MAGA Inc. will fund future advertisements while maintaining legally required independence.
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