DNC files suit to stop Trump administration from running taxpayer-funded ads

Watchdog group files separate complaint with DHS inspector general

The Democratic National Committee filed suit against the Trump administration on Wednesday, alleging that the White House illegally diverted taxpayer money to fund a series of 30-second advertisements featuring the president. The complaint asks a federal court to block the administration from continuing to use government funds for the campaign.

The lawsuit contends the ads amount to a “blatant violation of the statutory ban on the use of appropriations for ‘publicity and propaganda purposes,’” and that Trump personally directed the activity.

In a press release announcing the suit, the committee said: “Trump is illegally using funds that were transferred to an account for commemorative events — including memorials for Americans killed in the line of duty and commendation ceremonies — to attempt to boost his dismal approval numbers.” The DNC added that “even Republicans are admitting that the more Trump centers himself in the midterms, the worse Republican polling gets.”

According to the lawsuit, the 30-second ads show images of the president paired with quotes from his recent speeches, warnings about alleged communism, and claims that he was responsible for huge tax cuts. The spots were paid for through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the suit said.

Trump said Monday that he would use his own super PAC to pay for future ads, though the existing ads have continued to run and remain labeled “Paid for by the U.S. Government.” The administration has also said Trump will not reimburse the government for the money already spent.

The lawsuit is not the only challenge to the ads. The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed a separate complaint with the Department of Homeland Security inspector general, arguing that the campaign violates multiple laws.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said last week that he sees no issue with the spots and characterized them as normal public-service announcements.

Separately, musician JMSN said his song “Love Me” was used in the ads without permission or copyright licensing. The musician’s attorneys sent the administration a cease-and-desist letter last week demanding that the use stop immediately.