The Democratic National Committee filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington on Wednesday against the Trump administration. The suit accuses the administration of unlawfully using taxpayer funds to pay for television advertisements promoting the president's political message.
The DNC argues that the ads, which have appeared on cable and broadcast television stations across the United States, constitute illegal government-sponsored propaganda. According to the media tracking firm AdImpact, these campaign-style ads have cost taxpayers more than $12 million so far ahead of November’s midterm elections.
The lawsuit claims the administration broke multiple laws by using government money to air the advertisements. This has led to a bipartisan backlash, with critics stating the ads violate prohibitions on taxpayer-funded propaganda.
Following the criticism, Trump announced this week that he and his PAC, MAGA Inc., will pay for the ads moving forward.