Report says DHS funded pro-Trump ads with taxpayer money
Trump CBP ads spark bipartisan backlash over $20M in taxpayer-funded TV spots Lawmakers question DHS spending as criticism grows ahead of the midterm election
A Wall Street Journal report says U.S. Customs and Border Protection funded television ads featuring President Donald Trump that have drawn bipartisan criticism ahead of the November midterm election.
According to the report, the Department of Homeland Security spent about $20 million on the effort, including money provided to CBP through Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The ads reportedly promote Trump's message, including his tax cuts, while also criticizing communism and echoing lines from his 2024 campaign.
Lawmakers from both parties have questioned whether taxpayer funds intended for border protection were used for political messaging. Democratic senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy have called for an investigation, while watchdog group Public Citizen has filed complaints with federal agencies. The White House said the ads are public service announcements focused on patriotism and border security.