Trump Ends Taxpayer-Funded TV Ads Featuring Himself Amid Ethics Backlash

Decision follows bipartisan criticism and calls for independent investigations into three nationally broadcast spots.

Published On 6 Oct 20266 Oct 2026

President Donald Trump announced Monday he will cease using federal funds for television advertisements featuring his likeness, bowing to widespread criticism over the campaign-style spots.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump defended the advertisements—which cost at least $1.5 million in taxpayer money and aired ahead of the November midterm elections—describing them as “a positive promotion for our Great U.S.A.” He stated future ads would be financed either personally or through his political action committee, MAGA Inc., which held over $400 million as of July.

The reversal came as ethics experts and lawmakers from both parties condemned the three nationally broadcast commercials and demanded independent probes. The ads aired during football games as recently as Sunday and during other programming.

One spot features Trump declaring “America will never be a communist country” while a chorus chants “love me.” Another juxtaposes Mount Rushmore imagery with footage of Trump touting a “golden age of America.” Each concludes with a disclaimer stating they were paid for by the U.S. government.

Democratic lawmakers alleged last month that the White House redirected $20 million in Department of Homeland Security funds to air the advertisements, including one closely resembling a 2024 Trump campaign ad, and requested independent investigations.

On Monday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta called for an independent investigation, labeling the effort a “staggering misuse of public funding and breach of public trust.”

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, said last week the advertisements were appropriate and denied a request to investigate them.

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