Trump halts taxpayer-funded campaign ads after DOJ refuses to answer legal queries
Facing a judge’s demand for answers, the Justice Department declined to address the legality of Homeland Security money used for Donald Trump’s campaign ads, and the ads are set to stop Sunday.
When a judge required clarification, the Justice Department sidestepped inquiries about the legality of using Homeland Security money for Donald Trump’s campaign advertisements. Public opinion is sharply against the practice, with an October poll indicating 86% of Americans—80% of Republicans included—label it inappropriate. The administration announced the ads will air for the final time on Sunday, referencing a $20 million purchase order placed by Customs and Border Protection on September 20 under a blanket agreement funded by the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Separate lawsuits filed by the Democratic National Committee and Common Cause aim to halt the ads and seek reimbursement of unspent funds. In response, the DOJ filed a brief urging dismissal of the case, arguing the ads’ termination renders the dispute moot, while Common Cause warned the move is a tactic to run out the clock and called for a restraining order. No plan has been disclosed to repay the millions spent on the ads.
Why it matters
It highlights the controversy over using public funds for political messaging and the legal battles over government advertising rules.
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