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Action Alert: Speak Out Against Taxpayer-Funded Political Ads

June 28, 2021

Oct 5, 2026

Editorial credit: Shutterstock

Lawyers Defending American Democracy has issued an Action Alert, asking the public to speak out against the misuse of government resources for political purposes. 

The administration recently spent nearly $12 million in taxpayer funds on television ads promoting the President, part of a reported $20 million contract with a private ad agency, using funds from the Department of Homeland Security. Following widespread public criticism, the President said he would stop using taxpayer funds and would instead pay for the ads himself or with funds raised for his MAGA Inc. Super PAC.

These ads, which have appeared on major broadcasts and cable networks leading up to the midterm elections, include a repurposed spot from the President’s 2024 campaign, modified to include the tagline: “Paid for by the U.S. Government.” The use of public resources for political ads diverts taxpayer dollars and raises significant questions about compliance with federal law. Moreover, the shift from using taxpayer funding to payments through the President’s Super PAC raises additional questions about compliance with federal campaign finance restrictions.

Our Action Alert provides background facts and outlines specific steps that can be taken, including: contacting Congress, urging broadcast networks to pause distribution, filing complaints with federal oversight agencies, and raising awareness via social and traditional media outlets. 

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