Key facts
- The Trump administration used Department of Homeland Security funds for TV ads featuring President Donald Trump.
- Funds were moved into a CBP account for "commemorative events" on September 19, 2026.
- A $20 million contract was awarded to LMD Agency for a "National Media Campaign."
- The federal government spent at least $1.7 million to air three TV ads featuring Trump.
- Democrats sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers about the ads.
- The White House described the ads as "public service announcements."
The Trump administration utilized funds from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to air television advertisements featuring President Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the matter. Federal budget records indicate that funds were transferred to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) account on September 19, 2026, designated for "commemorative events." The following day, a $20 million contract was awarded to LMD Agency, a Maryland-based advertising firm, for a "National Media Campaign," with the ads beginning to air shortly thereafter.
Critics have raised concerns that the ads could violate federal propaganda laws. However, the White House has defended the advertisements as "public service announcements" aimed at reminding Americans of their patriotism and the importance of defending the country. A White House spokesperson stated the ads are "educational and unapologetically patriotic."
Democrats on the Senate Appropriations Committee have responded by sending a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, seeking detailed information about the allocation of these funds, the continuation of the ad campaign, and DHS's role in facilitating their broadcast. They argue that taxpayer dollars are being used for campaign ads celebrating the president.