Trump to Stop Using Taxpayer Money on Political Ads After Bipartisan Outcry

President Donald Trump announced Monday that he would cease funding television advertisements with U.S. taxpayer money, amid bipartisan criticism.

The former ambassador said the ads, which promoted his policies and touted a "positive promotion for the Great U.S.A.", had drawn backlash for appearing to use government funds for campaign purposes.

Trump described the payments as "a rather standard thing to do" and assured that future ads would be financed through the Trump‑run MAGA Inc. super political action committee.

The advertisements, airing over the last few weeks, urged action against the "deep state" and referenced tax cuts, manufacturing and law and order. In one clip Trump claimed: “We will cast out the communists, Marxists and fascists...”

The ads have sparked questions about legality, with legal experts noting that government‑funded media historically covers public health or national emergencies, not individual promotion.

Senator Maggie Hassan introduced a measure calling the payments illegal, a motion blocked by a Republican senator. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters he likes the message but “it shouldn’t be paid for with taxpayer dollars.”

Republican Senator John Kennedy echoed the sentiment on CBS News, stating that no public official should spend public money on private promotional ads.

The announcement comes as the country heads toward the November midterm elections, a traditional litmus test for sitting presidents.

For a deeper dive, read our guide to the US midterms.