I am writing to demand an immediate investigation into the reported use of taxpayer money to produce and broadcast television advertisements glorifying President Trump.
Multiple reports indicate that the Office of Management and Budget moved $20 million in Customs and Border Protection funds into a budget category for “commemorative events” on September 19. The following day, CBP awarded a $20 million national media campaign contract to a Maryland advertising firm. At least several million dollars have already been spent airing the ads on major broadcast and cable networks, during national news programs, entertainment shows, and football games.
These are not ordinary public service announcements. The spots prominently feature President Trump, celebrate his leadership, repeat his political rhetoric, and, in at least one case, closely resemble a Trump campaign video from 2024. Another uses flattering images of the president alongside a song titled “Love Me.” The ads reportedly carry the unusually vague disclosure “Paid for by the U.S. government.”
The administration claims the commercials are educational and patriotic because they do not explicitly urge viewers to vote for a candidate. That defense is inadequate. A president does not need to say “vote for me” for a taxpayer-funded advertisement to serve as personal political propaganda. The reported facts raise serious questions under federal restrictions against using appropriated funds for publicity or propaganda purposes.
Congress must exercise its constitutional power of the purse. Please demand the immediate release of all contracts, invoices, production records, media-buy data, communications, and legal opinions related to this campaign. Please request formal reviews by the Government Accountability Office and the relevant inspectors general. Congress should determine who authorized the transfer, why CBP funds were used, whether the spending was lawful, and how much additional money remains obligated.
Any further advertising that is political, partisan, or unauthorized should stop immediately. Officials who knowingly diverted public money for presidential image-making must be held accountable, regardless of party.
In spite of what the Mr. Trump thinks, taxpayer dollars belong to the American people. They should fund legitimate border operations, public safety, health care, and essential services, not a presidential cult of personality.
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