Judge Orders Trump Administration to Cease Taxpayer-Funded Political Ads
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Key points
- Judge Jennifer L. Rochon issued a temporary restraining order on Sunday night.
- The order prohibits the Trump administration from entering into, renewing, or expanding any agreement related to taxpayer-funded political ads.
- The order is effective at 6:45 p.m. ET on Sunday and lasts for two weeks.
- The order includes ads set to air on Sunday night.
- Common Cause challenged the ads as an illegal misuse of taxpayer funds (allegation).
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in New York issued a temporary restraining order on Sunday night, requiring the Trump administration to cease all development, creation, dissemination, placement, or airing of taxpayer-funded political ads.
The order, effective at 6:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, prohibits the administration from entering into, renewing, or expanding any agreement authorizing the development, creation, dissemination, placement, or airing of the challenged advertisements. The order lasts for two weeks and includes ads set to air on Sunday night.
The judge sided with a coalition including Common Cause, which challenged the ads as an illegal misuse of taxpayer funds.
The Department of Homeland Security allocated $20 million in taxpayer money for the ads.
Legal experts have suggested the ads may have violated a federal statute against using appropriated funds for publicity or propaganda.
The White House referenced a social media post from October 5 in which Trump called the ads 'rather standard' and said he would cover them through political fundraising.
In a court filing, the Justice Department argued the order was unnecessary because the alleged misconduct would end the next day.
The administration said the ad campaign was coming to an end.
All claims about the ads being illegal or violating laws are presented as allegations or expert interpretations, not confirmed facts.
The White House did not provide further comment beyond the social media post.
This court action is part of a broader challenge to the use of taxpayer funds for political advertising.
Related: Judge strikes down DOJ's policy of reviewing state voter rolls ·
Questions and answers
- The judge ruled the ads were an illegal misuse of taxpayer funds, and ordered them canceled under a temporary restraining order.
- Why did the judge order the ads to be canceled?
- Yes, the White House referenced a social media post from October 5 in which Trump defended the ads as 'rather standard' and said he would pay for them through fundraising.
- Did the White House respond to the court order?
- The Department of Homeland Security used $20 million in taxpayer money for the ads.
- How much taxpayer money was used for the ads?
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