The order followed a new motion by watchdog groups challenging the administration’s assurances that the ads would end Oct. 11. The groups cited an advertising contract running through September 2027 and $1 million remaining for the ad buy. A Border Patrol official had told the court the ads would end Sunday, while the administration said it had “no plans” for additional media buys.
Customs and Border Protection awarded the $20 million media contract on Sept. 20, a day after receiving that amount from the Office of Management and Budget. Trump pledged on Oct. 5 to pay for future ads personally and through his super PAC, MAGA Inc., after bipartisan criticism, but taxpayer funded spots continued airing. The White House said he would not reimburse the government for earlier spending.