Trump starred, the taxpayer paid: now the president changes course

A political storm in the US after three television commercials featuring President Trump were aired with government funding, allegedly exploiting $20 million from the Department of Homeland Security budget. Following threats of a criminal investigation, Trump announced that funding will now go to the MAGA Inc. political committee.

A political and ethical storm in the United States following a series of television commercials featuring President Donald Trump, broadcast nationwide with government funding. Three prominent ads, aired during football games among other times, showed Trump alongside messages about "America's golden age" and criticism of the "deep state." Democratic lawmakers, including Jamie Raskin and George Whitesides, revealed that the White House transferred $20 million from the Department of Homeland Security budget to air the campaign. California Attorney General Rob Bonta described it as "an astounding misuse of public funding." The organization Public Citizen filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission, and musician Christian Brishaj demanded the cessation of using his song without permission. Following public pressure and threats of investigation, Trump announced on Truth Social that the MAGA Inc. political committee, which holds about $400 million, will now bear the advertising costs.