No more government ads paid by taxpayer money: New York judge blocks US President Donald Trump’s publicity campaign

A federal judge in New York has temporarily halted government advertisements featuring President Donald Trump, which were funded by taxpayer money. The judge's order, issued on October 11th, also prevents any future public funding for these ads. The temporary injunction, which lasts for 14 days, comes as the judge deliberates on a longer ban.

The ads have aired on cable and broadcast channels nationwide in recent weeks. Democrats, other Trump critics, and at least one Republican senator opposed the advertisements. The US Justice Department stated that the ads would cease after Sunday, citing no plans to allocate additional funds or use Congress-approved money on similar contracts.

However, the judge was unconvinced, stating that the challengers would suffer irreparable harm. The dispute involves various organizations, including an Alabama Democratic candidate, a union political advocacy group, and a government watchdog organization. They allege that the White House violated a law mandating the use of taxpayer funds only for approved publicity.

Another lawsuit is pending in Washington, filed by the Democratic National Committee. Both cases argue that the ads aim to influence voters before the midterms and put Democrats at a disadvantage by using public money. The New York Times reported that Trump directed Russell Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget, to use the funds for the ads, which were worth $20 million from the Department of Homeland Security.

The White House maintains that the ads are presidential public service announcements, not political endorsements, as Trump is not running in the November elections. Despite attempts to shift funding to his personal super PAC, "MAGA Inc.," the problem remains unresolved, as millions of taxpayer dollars have already been spent and new ads are prepared but not yet aired.