Judge Blocks Trump Administration From Using $20 Million For Ads

U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan issued a temporary restraining order on October 28, blocking the Trump administration from spending $20 million in taxpayer funds on a national advertising campaign. The ruling follows a similar order issued by a New York judge on October 11. Judge AliKhan cited potential violations of the first order, noting that some advertisements reportedly continued to air on October 12.

The Democratic National Committee filed the lawsuit in the District of Columbia, challenging at least 13 campaign-style ads focused on military power, anti-communism, and the president's 2024 campaign promises. The administration utilized funds appropriated to Customs and Border Protection under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Plaintiffs argue this use of funds violates the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which prohibits using taxpayer money for unauthorized publicity or propaganda.

The court order suspends the Office of Management and Budget's allocation of the funds and requires the administration to report its compliance by October 30. Judge AliKhan stated that the sequence of events gave the court reason to doubt the administration's assurances that the same injury would not recur.