The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has redirected $20 million in taxpayer funds originally allocated to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to produce and air pro-Trump advertisements, according to multiple reports and a senior administration official. The White House has described the ads as public service announcements, though they closely resemble campaign messaging and have drawn bipartisan criticism for their use of federal dollars.
Senate Democrats have demanded answers within 48 hours from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, questioning whether additional federal funds will be used for similar ads and whether Mullin has discussed the spending with President Donald Trump. The letter, signed by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), called the move a ‘shockingly corrupt misuse of taxpayer dollars’ and a potential violation of anti-propaganda laws.
The ads, which began airing last week during high-profile television programs including college and NFL games, feature Trump discussing themes such as defeating communism and battling the ‘deep state.’ One ad uses the song ‘Love Me’ by JMSN, prompting a cease-and-desist letter from the artist’s legal team. A second ad mirrors a 2024 Trump campaign spot, showing the president walking a hallway as a voiceover urges support for his ‘final battle’ against the ‘deep state’ and ‘warmongers.’
Bipartisan backlash intensifies
Criticism has come from both sides of the aisle. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) stated, “It’s a great message. I like the message, but it shouldn’t be paid for with taxpayer dollars.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called the effort “the audacity to force Americans not only to watch his propaganda, but to pay for it.” Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) confirmed to reporters that the funds were taken from CBP’s budget in the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’
The White House has not responded to requests for comment, and DHS referred inquiries to the White House. The political ad-tracking firm AdImpact estimates the administration has spent approximately $1.5 million on the three ads to date, though the total may rise as additional spots air.
Legal and ethical concerns raised
Legal experts and lawmakers have raised questions about whether the spending violates the Smith-Mundt Act, which prohibits domestic propaganda by federal agencies. Critics argue the ads blur the line between government communication and campaign messaging, particularly as the 2024 election approaches. The use of CBP funds—originally intended for border security—has intensified scrutiny over the administration’s budgetary priorities.
The controversy follows earlier reporting that the White House produced three separate ads totaling $1.5 million, all framed as public service announcements but criticized for their promotional tone. The ads have been described by some observers as an attempt to bolster Trump’s public image amid declining approval ratings, though no official rationale has been provided by the administration.
As of now, the DHS has not provided contracting details or a full accounting of how the $20 million will be used moving forward. Lawmakers have requested transparency on whether additional ads are planned and whether the funds will continue to be diverted from CBP’s budget.