Taxpayer-funded Trump ads violate laws against propaganda, experts say. The White House calls them a ‘reminder for Americans to love their country’

The White House is defending three taxpayer-funded advertisements featuring President Donald Trump, totaling over $1.5 million in public spending. The ads are being criticized as propaganda and a violation of federal laws against publicly funded political messaging. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Sen. Mike Rounds, both Republicans, have called for the ads to be halted, as they believe the spending is inappropriate.

Legal experts agree that the ads likely breach statutes against congressionally appropriated funds being used for propaganda. The White House, however, maintains that the ads are public service announcements like those used in previous administrations, aimed at reminding Americans to love their country.