DNC Sues Trump Administration Over Taxpayer-Funded TV Ads
The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration in federal court in Washington on Wednesday, accusing it of illegally spending taxpayer money on television ads glorifying the president. The suit cites the statutory ban on using appropriations for "publicity or propaganda purposes" and asks the court to halt the ads. According to the complaint, Trump personally directed Budget Director Russ Vought to "find a way" to use public funds; about $20 million in Customs and Border Protection money was reapportioned, and ad trackers estimate more than $12 million has already been spent. The spots have aired since September, including during football games, and end with a "paid for by the U.S. Government" disclaimer. Trump said Monday the ads were "a positive promotion for our Great U.S.A." and would henceforth be paid for by his political action committee; the DNC says they kept airing. With less than 30 days before the Nov. 3 midterms, the case puts the line between government publicity and campaign advertising before a judge. The White House has not yet formally responded. (From Reuters and AP reporting.)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Harrison Keely, CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
