President Donald Trump said his primary super PAC will start covering the administration’s taxpayer-funded political ads in the wake of bipartisan backlash.
“The Radical Left is upset with the fact that I am taking Ads, which I consider to be a positive promotion for our Great U.S.A., and paying for them with U.S.A. money,” he posted on Truth Social. “This is a rather standard thing to do but, rather than doing that, although nothing will make them happy, I have decided to do the Patriotic Ads, among others, and pay for them myself, and with money I raised for MAGA, Inc.”
The pro-Trump ads, which feature the message “Paid for by the U.S. Government,” began airing late last month on cable channels and broadcast networks ahead of the midterm elections.
Democratic lawmakers and other critics of the administration led the charge in slamming the taxpayer-funded ads, but some Republicans were also critical of them.
Trump has repeatedly defended his use of taxpayer funds for the controversial ad campaign, which he denies is promoting himself.
“I’m not promoting myself because I’m not running for office,” Trump said last week. “I’m promoting the country.”
As he continues touring the country for the midterm elections, the president has told Republican voters to pretend he is on the ballot in an effort to boost turnout and ensure the Republican Party retains control of Congress.
Amid the backlash, the White House has defended the television spots as public service announcements meant to educate voters and promote patriotism.
TRUMP DEFENDS SELF-PROMOTING TAXPAYER-FUNDED ADS
The funding for the ads came from taxpayer dollars meant for Customs and Border Protection. The Department of Homeland Security awarded LMD Agency $20 million for a “National Media Campaign” starting on Sept. 20, according to reported records. One day earlier, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget granted $20 million to CBP before the money was handed to the advertising agency.
At least $10.1 million in taxpayer dollars has been spent on the ads as of Monday, according to AdImpact.