Trump Will Not Pay Taxpayers Back for Controversial Ads
US President Donald Trump says he will not pay back the federal government for millions of dollars spent on ads on television promoting his administration, although he claimed his super PAC would cover the costs. Trump Leaves Taxpayers on the Hook for $11.6M in Ads After a series of ads featuring h…
US President Donald Trump says he will not pay back the federal government for millions of dollars spent on ads on television promoting his administration, although he claimed his super PAC would cover the costs. Trump Leaves Taxpayers on the Hook for $11.6M in Ads After a series of ads featuring him and his administration were broadcast using taxpayer money, the president came under fire from Democrats and Republicans. The spots have been aired nationally in the lead-up to the November midterm elections and have been accused of looking like campaign ads. Trump said Monday the ads will be paid for by MAGA Inc., his political action committee, not taxpayers. However, a White House official said on Tuesday that the announcement was for future spending and did not include money already spent. By Tuesday, AdImpact estimated that about $11.6 million had been spent on the ad campaign. The larger contract, for $20 million, went to the Department of Homeland Security, reported the New York Times. Trump was asked if he would return money already spent. He would not commit to doing so, saying the matter was still unresolved. A new 60-second ad also began running on Tuesday. It focuses on the US operation against former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and shows Trump with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Other ads have touted Trump’s policies and portrayed him in a very flattering light. One recycled material from his 2024 presidential campaign and another with messaging on tax cuts and other administration priorities. Casino Billionaire’s Widow Among MAGA Inc.’s Top Financial Backers The controversy has drawn attention across the political spectrum. Critics argue that government funding should not be used for material that benefits Trump politically, especially so close to the midterms. Some legal scholars have also raised questions about whether the ads might violate federal prohibitions against propaganda and partisan political activity. The White House has called the spots public service announcements, not campaign ads. The administration has cited advertising campaigns run by previous presidents that promoted government programs and public policies. The dispute also has ties to the gambling industry through MAGA Inc.’s donor base. Miriam Adelson, the widow of casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson and a major shareholder in Las Vegas Sands, is one of Trump’s most important political backers. Campaign finance information cited in reports shows Adelson gave $25 million to MAGA Inc. in May 2026. The super PAC raised more than $424 million from January 2025 through August 2026. For years, Adelson has been a backer of Trump’s political campaigns. She also supported his 2024 presidential campaign financially with a major pro-Trump super PAC. MAGA Inc. could then tap into substantial private funding if it assumes responsibility for future advertising. However, the White House has not said if the PAC will pay for all of the remaining ads under the DHS contract.