Trump to fund own TV ads after taxpayer funding backlash

Ethics experts and lawmakers from both parties had criticized three nationally broadcast ads that celebrated a "golden age of America." Lawmakers questioned whether public funds were being used to promote Trump politically, while other critics argued the spots may violate longstanding restrictions on government propaganda and political activity.

One ad features Trump declaring that "America will never be a communist country" while a chorus repeats the words "love me." Another combines images of Mount Rushmore with footage of Trump praising a "golden age of America."

In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump stated he considered the ads to be "a positive promotion for our Great U.S.A" but that they would no longer be funded by taxpayers.