President Trump Ends Taxpayer Ad Funding

President Trump said future “Patriotic Ads” would be paid for by him or money raised by MAGA Inc., his pro-Trump super PAC, after criticism from both parties. The White House later said the announcement did not mean Trump would reimburse taxpayers, and Trump said he would “decide” when asked about repayment. The ads ran ahead of the midterms, featured Trump and echoed his political messaging, including attacks on communism, the “deep state” and the news media. The White House called them patriotic or educational public-service announcements, while critics said they promoted Trump’s agenda. DHS funded the ads through a $20 million contract, with more than $10 million already aired. It remained unclear whether any spending would be canceled.