Trump says he will stop using taxpayer funds for ads after bipartisan pushback

Following widespread public criticism, President Donald Trump announced on Monday, October 5, 2026, that his administration would cease using taxpayer funds for a series of campaign-style television advertisements. The decision came after backlash from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, alongside ethics watchdogs, who questioned the legality and appropriateness of the ads. Critics argued that the spots, which promoted the president and his policies, violated federal laws prohibiting the use of government money for propaganda.

The White House had previously defended these advertisements as public service announcements. However, reports indicated that at least an estimated $10.1 million in taxpayer dollars had already been spent on the ads, with some sources citing figures as high as $20 million from Department of Homeland Security funds.

Moving forward, Trump stated that his pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA, Inc., would finance the continued production and airing of these promotional messages. The president also indicated he would contribute his own funds for the ads.