Donald Trump ordered by New York judge to cancel taxpayer-funded TV ads
President Donald Trump must halt remaining commercial broadcasts funded by millions in tax money, a New York judge ruled Sunday night. The order halts federal promotional broadcasts that challengers call an unlawful use of public cash. The administration said the campaign was already ending.
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon issued the decision in New York. She sided with a coalition that includes nonpartisan watchdog Common Cause. The group challenged the spots as an illegal misuse of funds.
Judge Rochon granted a temporary restraining order. She instructed the administration to pull any remaining spots. That included any broadcasts scheduled for Sunday night.
“Defendants shall not enter into, renew, or expand any agreement authorizing the development, creation, dissemination, placement, or airing of the challenged advertisements” during the two-week duration of her order, the judge said.
The White House did not respond to an email seeking comment Sunday night. The Justice Department argued against the temporary restraining order in a court filing late Saturday. The filing claimed “the alleged offending conduct will end tomorrow.”
The Department of Homeland Security spent $20 million on the campaign. The funds came from a $175 million package approved by Congress. That appropriation was intended for immigration enforcement policies under Trump.
Legal experts suggested the spending violated a federal ban on publicity or propaganda. They noted it potentially breached other federal statutes. The administration defended the broadcasts as public service messages.
The White House said past administrations ran similar campaigns to promote policies. These recent spots differed from standard public service spots. They did not help viewers access government programs.
One spot mirrored a 2024 campaign commercial run by Trump. The federal court in New York will review the matter further under standard legal procedures. A temporary restraining order preserves existing conditions during active litigation.
The restrictions will remain active for two weeks under the ruling. The mandate took effect immediately Sunday night.
