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Trump Abandons Taxpayer Funding for Political Ads, Vows MAGA Inc. Will Pay
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CNBC TV18•06-10-2026, 10:48
Trump Abandons Taxpayer Funding for Political Ads, Vows MAGA Inc. Will Pay
- •US President Donald Trump announced he will personally fund political advertisements ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
- •The decision marks a reversal after his administration faced heavy bipartisan criticism for using taxpayer money for promotional TV spots.
- •The controversial ads featured messages on patriotism and warnings about the country, previously stamped with paid for by the US Government.
- •Lawmakers from both sides condemned the spending, with Republican Senator John Kennedy stating public money cannot be used for self-promotion and Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper calling the spots propaganda.
Key Questions Answered
Donald Trump announced he will use his own money and funds raised for MAGA Inc. to pay for political advertisements moving forward, reversing his previous policy after facing criticism.
The backlash was triggered because the advertisements, which featured Trump warning of a final battle and proclaiming America will never be a communist country, were paid for using taxpayer funds and displayed messages stating they were paid for by the US Government.
The Department of Homeland Security tapped USD 20 million in taxpayer funds originally intended for US Customs and Border Protection to pay for the campaign-style advertisements.
