US President Donald Trump has backed away from his earlier promise to personally cover the cost of government-funded political advertisements that have sparked controversy ahead of the November midterm elections.
The latest development marks another change in position over the advertisements, which reportedly cost millions of dollars in taxpayer funds and promoted Trump’s policies and political message.
Trump had said on Monday that he and his political campaign would pay for the adverts after criticism grew over the use of government money to fund them.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said he had decided to take responsibility for the advertisements and pay for them using money raised by his political action group, MAGA Inc.
However, the White House clarified on Tuesday that Trump’s statement did not mean the government would be reimbursed for money already spent on the advertisements.
Trump also appeared to leave the possibility open when reporters asked him about reimbursement at the White House.
“The ads were really good. They were promotion for the country, done by many presidents before. So we’ll decide,” he said.
Reports indicate that about $20 million from Department of Homeland Security funds was used to produce and broadcast the advertisements.
One of the controversial adverts features Trump warning of a “final battle” while footage shows him walking through a hallway. The advertisement also carries the message, “Paid for by the US Government.”
US media reports said the advert closely resembled a political campaign advertisement used by Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign.
The use of taxpayer money for the advertisements has attracted criticism from Democrats, who described them as illegal propaganda. Some senior Republicans have also questioned the decision.
The White House previously defended the spending, arguing that the advertisements were public service announcements rather than political campaign material.
The controversy comes as both major US political parties prepare for closely contested midterm elections in November, adding further scrutiny to the administration’s use of public funds for messaging that features the president.
Source: AFP.
