OMB gave Customs and Border Protection $20 million on Sept. 19, and the agency awarded an advertising company a contract for that amount the next day. The ads began airing Sept. 23. The money came from funds Congress approved for border security upgrades, efforts to combat drug trafficking and memorials for officers killed in the line of duty, the Washington Post reported, citing records.
The campaign includes a “God made Trump” spot and at least 12 other ads promoting the president and his policies, CNN reported. It has drawn bipartisan criticism ahead of the midterm elections and complaints alleging violations of the federal prohibition on taxpayer funding for publicity or propaganda. The White House calls the ads public service announcements, and Trump defended them by saying, “I’m not promoting a candidate.” Senate Republican Leader John Thune said, “It’s a great message, I like the message, but it shouldn’t be paid for with taxpayer dollars.”