Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads

The Department of Homeland Security has committed $20 million in taxpayer funds for a series of television and streaming advertisements prominently featuring President Donald Trump, according to reporting by Lisa Mascaro and Ali Swenson of The Associated Press. The ads have sparked criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, particularly because they are airing shortly before the 2026 midterm elections. AP News Democratic Sens. Patty Murray and Chris Murphy say the money was drawn from funding Congress provided to DHS under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” that had been intended for Customs and Border Protection. They have demanded that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin explain how the money was redirected, whether additional federal funds will be used and what contracts were involved. Advertising tracker AdImpact estimates that more than $2.5 million has already been spent on three ads in seven days, though AP notes the actual total could be higher. One commercial closely resembles a Trump 2024 campaign video, including warnings about a “final battle” against globalists and warmongers, but now ends with the disclosure “Paid for by the U.S. Government.” AP News Criticism has been bipartisan. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis compared the approach to government advertising associated with Hungary’s Viktor Orban, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune said such messaging should not be financed with taxpayer dollars. Democrats have called for investigations and greater congressional oversight. The legal question remains contested. AP reports that legal and government-spending experts believe the commercials may conflict with restrictions against using congressionally appropriated money for propaganda, particularly because the ads promote the president rather than informing citizens about a specific government service or program. That has not yet been presented as a definitive court ruling that the advertisements are illegal. AP News The White House rejects the criticism, describing the commercials as legitimate public service announcements and noting that previous administrations also used government funds for public messaging campaigns. The administration has given no indication that it plans to stop the advertising. Credit: Lisa Mascaro and Ali Swenson, The Associated Press, updated Sept. 29, 2026. AP News