DNC Files Federal Lawsuit Over Campaign-Style Ads The Democratic National Committee on Wednesday sued President Donald Trump's administration over television advertisements that promoted his
The Democratic National Committee on Wednesday sued President Donald Trump's administration over television advertisements that promoted his political message while costing taxpayers millions of dollars.The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges the ads are illegal government-sponsored propaganda and accuses Trump of personally directing them.
The DNC cited a measure Trump signed into law this year barring congressional appropriations from being used for publicity or propaganda purposes. The lawsuit also cites the Anti-Deficiency Act and the Purpose Statute, which restricts taxpayer funds to only the specific purposes approved by Congress.The ads were paid for through funding earmarked for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The lawsuit says the ads began airing in September and ran nationally and locally, including during NFL and college football games. Ad tracking firm AdImpact estimates the campaign has already cost taxpayers more than $12 million. The watchdog group Common Cause also filed its own suit making similar legal arguments, alleging the administration violated appropriations statutes.
The White House has defended the ads as public service announcements akin to what past administrations have done to promote various policies.Legal experts have said the recent ads differ from many past public service announcements because they are not aimed at helping members of the public benefit from specific government programs.Responding to criticism, Trump defended the ads as "positive promotion for our Great U.S.A." but said he would pay for them using his MAGA Inc. super PAC going forward. However, the costs already incurred using public funds remain at the center of the legal dispute.
The DNC argued the administration's use of taxpayer dollars for campaign-style advertisements deprived Democrats of a fair electoral process by adding public funds to resources available to support Republican candidates, placing Democratic candidates at an electoral disadvantage.Trump has faced bipartisan backlash for the ads, which glorify him and echo his campaign pitch as voters cast early ballots with the midterm elections less than a month away.
The defendants in the lawsuit include Trump, the White House, DHS, and the Office of Management and Budget.
Sources:ABC News: DNC sues Trump administration, alleging taxpayer-funded ads violate propaganda lawNBC News: DNC sues administration over taxpayer-funded pro-Trump TV adsThe Hill: DNC sues to block Trump administration from using government funds for political ads
