Washington, DC — President Donald Trump personally directed budget officials to find federal money for television advertisements promoting his presidency, according to new reporting that adds detail to an already controversial taxpayer-funded media campaign.
The New York Times reported that Trump asked Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to locate money inside the federal government after expressing enthusiasm for promotional ads featuring himself. The administration ultimately shifted $20 million available to Customs and Border Protection into a Department of Homeland Security account designated for “commemorative events.”
The following day, CBP awarded Maryland marketing company LMD a $20 million contract for a national media campaign.
At least four advertisements have since aired on major networks. One closely resembles a Trump 2024 campaign commercial, while others feature flattering imagery and praise for his administration. Each carries the disclosure “Paid for by the U.S. government.”
The campaign has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans who question whether taxpayer-funded advertising centered on Trump violates longstanding restrictions against government propaganda, particularly weeks before congressional elections. Reuters reports lawmakers have requested independent investigations into the spending.
The White House maintains the advertisements are legal public-service announcements and do not explicitly ask voters to support Trump or Republican candidates.
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