A series of television advertisements featuring former President Donald Trump's "final battle" message, paid for with federal funds, have returned to airwaves and are drawing criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans over potential ethics violations.
The ads, which are nearly identical to those used in Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, include messaging about the "deep state," "warmongers," "communists," and "fascists." One version features Trump walking down a hall, warning about these groups and stating, "This is the final battle." At the end of these spots, the text reads, "Paid for by the US government."
These advertisements have reportedly cost the government an estimated $362,000 so far, according to data from advertising intelligence company AdImpact. The spots have aired during major events like NFL football games and news programs such as Fox News Sunday.
Ethics lawyers and several members of Congress have raised concerns that the ads could violate the Hatch Act, a federal law that limits the political activities of executive branch employees. Norm Eisen, a former White House ethics czar under the Obama administration, told The New York Times that the use of taxpayer funds for these ads is a breach of law.
However, a White House spokesperson defended the ads, describing them as "educational" and "unconditionally patriotic" public service announcements. The spokesperson stated that the ads are not political, lack a call to action, and are comparable to PSAs run by previous administrations, including those of Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. The aim, according to the spokesperson, is to "remind Americans to love their country and understand what makes it worth defending."
Democrats have been vocal in their criticism. Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland called the ads "blatantly unethical" and a misuse of government resources for political campaigns. Other Democrats, including ranking members of appropriations committees, have requested information from the White House regarding the production and advertising costs.
Some Republicans have also expressed disapproval. Outgoing Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina deemed the ads "inappropriate," suggesting that such campaigns do not require taxpayer funding and comparing the practice to actions by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana told CBS News' "Face the Nation" that "no public official should spend public money on private ads for themselves," while acknowledging the White House's differing perspective.