Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire has asked the Senate to approve a one-sentence resolution stating that Donald Trump’s new television advertisements should not be financed with taxpayer money. Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming blocked the measure, preventing it from advancing. The dispute came shortly after Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the advertisements should not be paid for by taxpayers.
The ads have appeared during college and NFL football games and on “Meet the Press,” ending with the statement “Paid for by the U.S. Government.” One advertisement reportedly closely resembles a video produced for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, raising additional questions about whether public funds are being used for political messaging.
According to the report, the White House budget office transferred $20 million in Customs and Border Protection funds on September 19 into an account designated for commemorative events. A House Budget Committee report reportedly said that account was intended for purposes such as memorials honoring officers killed in the line of duty. The following day, a $20 million advertising contract was awarded to a Maryland company.
Republican Senator Susan Collins reportedly argued that restrictions in the regular spending bill would have prevented the advertising campaign, suggesting the administration used funding authorized under a different law. AdImpact estimates that at least $2.5 million has already been spent on airtime, although the final amount could be higher.
Trump has argued that the advertisements are not campaign material because he is not currently running for office, although the report notes that he recently told a crowd he hoped supporters would believe he was running.
Hassan has requested an explanation from White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles by October 8. The controversy now centers on whether the spending complied with federal law and whether Congress will demand greater accountability over the use of taxpayer funds.
