White House Redirects CBP Funds to Trump-Themed Government Ads Without Agency Approval

A recent investigation revealed that the White House redirected Customs and Border Protection resources to produce national television advertisements featuring Donald Trump, without informing the agency's senior leadership. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott and other top officials only discovered the funding shift after reading about it in one outlet. The commercials, which carry a "Paid for by the U.S. Government" label, focus on broad patriotic messages and do not address immigration or border security.

A Department of Homeland Security official said the campaign reflects the administration's view of its achievements over the first year and a half. Critics, including senators from both parties, have raised concerns that the arrangement may breach federal procurement rules. The White House described the spots as public service announcements intended to inspire national pride.