A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to stop airing television advertisements featuring President Trump that were financed with $20 million in taxpayer funds, following a legal challenge alleging the government improperly used public money to promote the president’s political message.
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon issued a temporary restraining order Sunday, October 11, directing the administration to cancel any remaining broadcasts. The order also prohibits the government from entering into new agreements or expanding existing arrangements for the challenged advertisements during the next 14 days.
The Department of Homeland Security allocated $20 million for the advertising campaign, which began airing in late September. According to court filings, approximately $19 million had already been spent. The advertisements promoted Trump’s policies and included messaging similar to material used during his 2024 presidential campaign.
The lawsuit, brought by a coalition that includes the government watchdog organization Common Cause, alleges that the advertisements violated federal restrictions on using appropriated funds for political propaganda. The White House has defended the commercials as legitimate public-service announcements, while the Justice Department argued that a court order was unnecessary because the campaign was already scheduled to end.
The ruling comes just weeks before the November 3 midterm elections and does not represent a final decision on the legality of the spending. Further court proceedings are expected Tuesday, October 13, as the legal challenge continues.
