According to CNN, on October 11 local time, a federal judge in the United States issued an interim order to stop the Trump administration from using taxpayer funds for promotional advertisements. The watchdog organization charged that such advertisements constituted illegal political propaganda. The advertisements had cost $19 million, and the White House stated that the spent funds would not be refunded.
At the end of last month, the Trump administration produced at least 13 advertisements in a campaign-style format and began broadcasting them. Some of these advertisements were shown on platforms such as CBS, CNN, MS NOHO, Fox News, and Fox Television. In the documents submitted to the court, the Trump administration stated that $19 million in taxpayer funds were spent to produce these advertisements.
For this reason, the non-profit government watchdog organization 'Common Cause' and the Democratic National Committee have filed lawsuits, alleging that these advertisements clearly violate the Appropriations Act, which prohibits the use of federal funds for promotional or partisan propaganda.
On the evening of the 11th local time, Judge Jennifer Roshon of the New York Federal Court approved a temporary restraining order for the “Joint Venture” application, ordering the U.S. government to stop all subsequent advertising broadcasts starting at 6:45 PM Eastern Time on that day.
This order also requires the Trump administration to suspend all new advertising purchases for a period of two weeks. If the Trump administration intends to resume advertising campaigns funded by taxpayers, lawyers from the Department of Justice must apply for a court order to overturn this injunction.
"Joint endeavor" expresses appreciation for the judge's ruling, issuing a statement that reads: "The court swiftly acted to stop more taxpayers' money from being used for this clearly unlawful political propaganda; we are pleased by this development."
Last month, the White House Office of Management and Budget allocated $20 million in taxpayer funds from the Customs and Border Protection to related advertising. Holly Melinger, a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security, stated that the funds were “not used for the creation or production of any videos or media content,” and were “only used to distribute already produced media materials.”
On October 5th, local time, a White House spokesperson stated that Trump did not plan to repay the funds already spent on advertising procurement by the government. Melning and other officials also did not propose any refund plans.
On the same day, due to the controversy caused by the related advertisements, U.S. President Trump stated that he would no longer use taxpayer funds to finance a series of promotional TV advertisements, and would instead pay for the advertisements at his own expense.
Trump said at the time that these advertisements were a “positive portrayal of the great United States,” and that using American funds to pay for the advertisements was “a quite normal practice.” He added that he would continue to release a series of advertisements with “patriotic themes,” with the costs to be borne by him personally and the Maga Inc committee.
According to reports, Trump personally oversaw the production of these video advertisements. Sources familiar with the matter and Trump’s advisors revealed that most of the advertisements were created by the White House Video Team, which is part of the White House Communications Office and is responsible for government public relations efforts. Trump was involved in selecting the footage used for the advertisements. At least one advertisement was produced by a group that promotes Trump-related content.
On October 11 local time, when asked about whether taxpayer funds would be refunded, Homeland Security Secretary Mark Warne-Mason appeared on the CBS program "Face the Nation".
"As long as we can produce public service announcements, publicize American achievements, I fully support it," Marin responded. "We should promote the progress made in America, and I appreciate President Trump giving us an opportunity to showcase American achievements."
