The government has spent at least $1.7 million on three distinct advertisements, including one featuring the song "Love Me," five weeks before the midterm elections. The spending has drawn bipartisan criticism from figures such as Senate GOP Leader John Thune and Sen. Thom Tillis, the latter of whom likened the ads to propaganda in Hungary. Legal pressure is mounting as attorneys for singer JMSN have issued a cease-and-desist letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles regarding the unauthorized use of the singer's music.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Trump Admin Diverts $20M Border Fund for Campaign TV Ads
US Politics22 days ago
A budgetary transfer to the Department of Homeland Security on September 19 enabled the federal government to pay for commercial spots featuring President Donald Trump. OMB Director Russ Vought shifted $20 million for this purpose, which Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Henry Cuellar allege was diverted from funds for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inside Republicans' "One Big Beautiful Bill." The House Democrats claim the expenditure of border security funds for political promotion is a misuse of public money and vow to seek accountability upon regaining control of Congress.
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