House Democrats urge GAO and OSC to probe Trump’s taxpayer-funded TV ads

House Judiciary ranking member Jamie Raskin, together with Rep. George Whitesides, wrote to the Government Accountability Office and the Office of Special Counsel requesting investigations into three television advertisements produced by the Trump administration that were financed with taxpayer money. The lawmakers contend the ads breach federal statutes that forbid using public funds for propaganda, contravene the Hatch Act’s ban on partisan political activity by executive-branch employees, and exceed appropriated spending limits.

The White House has defended the spots as non-partisan public service announcements meant to promote patriotism, but critics, including several Democratic senators and representatives, argue the messages contain false claims and amount to illegal political promotion. The campaign has spent more than $1.5 million since its launch, drawing bipartisan criticism. Senate and House leaders have also urged White House chief of staff Susie Wiles to address the issue. The request seeks accountability for any violations of laws governing federal expenditures.