New York judge orders Trump administration to stop remaining taxpayer-funded TV ads after a $20 million DHS campaign is challenged in court

U.S. District Judge Jennifer Rochon on Sunday, October 11, ordered the Trump administration to halt its taxpayer-funded television ads featuring President Donald Trump, including spots scheduled to air that night. The temporary restraining order followed a lawsuit led by watchdog group Common Cause, which argues that the campaign unlawfully used public funds.

The Department of Homeland Security awarded Maryland-based LMD Agency a $20 million contract for the national campaign, which began airing in late September. Media-tracking firm AdImpact estimated that more than $12 million had already gone to airtime. The White House defended the ads as public service announcements; Trump said future advertising would be paid for by his political operation but has not committed to reimbursing the government for money already spent.