Trump Shifts Funding for Patriotic Ads to Super PAC

President Donald Trump announced on October 5, 2026, that he and his super PAC, MAGA Inc., will fund future television advertisements promoting his administration, ending the use of taxpayer money for the campaign. The decision follows bipartisan condemnation of the "Patriotic Ads," which critics describe as political propaganda and a violation of federal laws prohibiting the use of public funds for promotional material.

The controversy centers on a US$20 million contract awarded to LMD, a Maryland-based marketing firm. Funds were shifted by the Office of Management and Budget from U.S. Customs and Border Protection within the Department of Homeland Security. While estimates of the total spent vary, reports indicate between US$5.5 million and US$12 million has already been expended on spots that celebrate a "golden age of America" and the removal of Nicolás Maduro.

Vice President JD Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson defended the ads as non-partisan public service announcements. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other lawmakers have demanded investigations into the spending, with Schumer alleging illegal coordination between the president and his super PAC. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 86% of Americans, including 80% of Republicans, believe using taxpayer funds for such ads is inappropriate.

Despite the shift in future funding, White House officials clarified that MAGA Inc. will not reimburse the government for the millions already spent. When asked directly about the reimbursement, Trump responded, "we’ll decide."