Trump Shifts Ad Costs to Super PAC, Doesn’t Commit to Repaying Taxpayers

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President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. Trump said future television ads promoting his administration would be paid for with political funds after criticism over the use of taxpayer money. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)
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WASHINGTON (AURN News) — With 28 days until the midterms, President Donald Trump says his political supporters will pay for future television ads promoting his administration after taxpayers-funded earlier spots.

Trump announced that future spots will be funded by him or his MAGA Inc. super PAC following criticism from both parties.

At least $1.5 million in federal money had already gone toward the ads when the controversy first drew national attention. More recent reporting from The Associated Press says nearly $12 million worth of ads have now aired.

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters upon arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in Chicago. The White House is facing bipartisan criticism over a series of taxpayer-funded television ads featuring Trump, which the administration says are public service announcements rather than campaign ads. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump has not committed to reimbursing taxpayers for money already spent on the ads. The commercials praise Trump’s policies and carry a disclaimer saying they were paid for by the U.S. government.

Democratic lawmakers say $20 million in Homeland Security funding was used to support the advertising and have called for independent investigations.

Trump has defended the spots as patriotic promotion, but shifting future costs away from taxpayers does not resolve questions about the federal money already spent.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @ebonymcmorris & @aurnonline.

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