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2.0

CBP budget used for political, pro-Trump ads

  1. Original Date Announced

    September 29, 2026

    CNBC reports that CBP used $20 million in taxpayer funds appropriated through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for a national media campaign comprised of pro-Trump television ads that included messages from 2024 campaign ads. Statistics from AdImpact show that more than $1.2 million has already been spent airing just two of the spots. Democratic Senators wrote to DHS Secretary Mullin and are calling for investigations into what they have labeled an "outrageous scheme."

    Trump 2.0 [ID #2416]

    2026.09.29 Reported: Trump government ads were funded by Homeland Security, WSJ reports - CNBC 2026.09.29 Senate Letter Trump Ads
  2. Subsequent Trump and Court Action

    September 29, 2026

    2026.09.29 FTC FCC Complaint - Trump Ads

    Watchdog group Public Citizen filed a complaint with the FCC and FTC, urging broadcasters to stop airing the ads. Public Citizen has separately asked the GAO and Office of Special Counsel to investigate alleged violations of federal propaganda restrictions and the Hatch Act, which restricts the involvement of federal government employees in political campaigns.

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Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Action: Change in Practice
Subject Matter:
Agencies Affected: CBP

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