A US federal judge on Sunday ordered the Trump administration to stop making or airing a series of taxpayer-funded television adverts promoting the president, issuing a temporary restraining order that lasts 14 days, according to Euronews.
The ruling arrives weeks before November’s midterm elections, in which Donald Trump is not on the ballot but is campaigning to help Republicans keep control of Congress, Euronews noted. The administration has used $20 million of Department of Homeland Security funds to pay for the adverts, according to US media reports cited by the outlet.
What the Order Says
US District Judge Jennifer Rochon barred the administration from entering into, renewing or expanding any agreement authorising the development, creation, dissemination, placement or airing of the challenged adverts, the outlet reported. The case was brought by plaintiffs represented by the nonprofit legal group Democracy Forward. They argued the adverts “exceed the purposes authorized by Congress and violate restrictions on publicity and propaganda”, and said they were pleased the court had acted swiftly to prevent more taxpayer money from being spent on what they called unlawful political propaganda.
The White House has defended the spending and describes the adverts as public service announcements, according to Euronews.
The Adverts and the Reaction
The first advert was broadcast in late September, Euronews said. A second used black-and-white footage of the president walking down a hallway while warning of a final battle, with an on-screen label saying it was paid for by the US government. The campaign has drawn criticism from both parties: Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper called the adverts illegal, and some senior Republicans voiced reservations.
The question of who pays has also surfaced. Trump said last week that he and his campaign would pay for the adverts, Euronews reported, but the White House later told AFP that his post was not referring to reimbursement.
Why It Matters
The order is temporary and does not decide whether the adverts were lawful. What it does is pause new spending while a court considers whether public money can be used this way during an election season. The sources reviewed do not say what happens when the 14 days expire or when the court will next hear the case. That next step will show whether the pause becomes a longer restriction.
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