Trump ads paid for by US government allegedly violate anti-propaganda laws
FCC unlikely to stop Trump ads described as illegal taxpayer-funded propaganda.
Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission alleging that newly released Trump campaign ads, paid for by the US government, violate anti-propaganda laws. The complaint specifically targets an ad titled "The Final Battle," which is a copied version of a 2024 election ad by the Trump campaign committee.
The ad features stern-looking footage of Trump marching down a corridor, accompanied by audio proclaiming: "This is the final battle. With you at my side, we will demolish the deep state. We will expel the warmongers from our government." At the bottom of the screen, a notice reads: "Paid for by the US government."
Public Citizen argues that the ad, along with similar ones, infringes upon laws against using taxpayer funds for propaganda and on restrictions concerning political activity by federal government employees. The White House, however, claims that the recent ads are public service announcements.
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