Key facts
- Democrats Jamie Raskin and George Whitesides requested investigations into taxpayer-funded ads featuring President Donald Trump.
- The lawmakers asked the Government Accountability Office and Office of Special Counsel to probe the ads' legality.
- The ads closely resemble Trump's 2024 campaign advertisements.
- The White House transferred $20 million in Homeland Security funds for the ads.
- President Trump stated he is not promoting himself or a candidate in the ads.
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr deemed the ads appropriate.
Two Democratic lawmakers have requested independent investigations into taxpayer-funded television advertisements featuring President Donald Trump, citing concerns that the spots are being used for political campaigning ahead of the November elections.
Representatives Jamie Raskin and George Whitesides asked the Government Accountability Office and the Office of Special Counsel to determine if the use of government funds for the ads was illegal. They noted that the ads closely resemble Trump's 2024 campaign advertisements, using similar footage and messaging.
Earlier this week, Democratic lawmakers stated that the White House transferred $20 million in Homeland Security Department funds to air the nationally broadcast ads, which celebrate a "golden age of America." Ethics experts and lawmakers from both parties have criticized the spots, which are airing five weeks before the midterm elections.
In a letter seen by Reuters, Raskin and Whitesides called the ads "desperate pre-election propaganda." Trump, however, defended the ads, stating, "I'm not running for office... I'm not promoting a candidate. I'm not promoting myself because I'm not running for office."
Critics have questioned whether public funds are being used to promote Trump politically and if the spots violate restrictions on government propaganda. Public Citizen filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission, arguing the ads are campaign advertisements that should not be funded by taxpayers. FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Republican, stated on Wednesday that the ads were appropriate.