1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am appalled by what I see as the continuing disregard for legal and ethical boundaries by the current administration. Most recently, I have been disturbed to see what appear to be blatantly promotional advertisements featuring Trump, with imagery that feels more appropriate to a political campaign than to legitimate government communication, being broadcast repeatedly and paid for with taxpayer dollars. Taxpayer funds should not be used to promote the personal image, political interests, or electoral prospects of any president, regardless of party. Government communications should serve a legitimate public purpose—not function as campaign advertising financed by the American people. This is particularly troubling given the many questions already being raised about the relationship between the presidency, personal financial interests, and political power. At a minimum, Congress has an obligation to investigate whether taxpayer-funded communications are crossing the line into political promotion and, if so, to put an immediate stop to it. I am also deeply disappointed that television networks are airing these advertisements without, as far as I can tell, adequately questioning or explaining who funded them and for what purpose. We are still a democracy, and that democracy depends upon meaningful oversight and elected representatives who are willing to exercise it. Please do not simply express concern. Investigate this use of taxpayer funds, determine whether applicable laws and ethics rules have been violated, make your findings public, and take whatever action is necessary to stop the misuse of public money. This deserves urgent attention.