A federal judge has ordered Donald Trump’s administration to stop airing taxpayer-funded political advertisements, ruling that any remaining slots — including those booked for Sunday night — must be cancelled.
US District Judge Jennifer L Rochon issued a temporary restraining order in New York on Sunday, 11 October 2026, after a coalition led by the watchdog group Common Cause challenged the campaign as an unlawful use of public money.
The order prevents the administration from entering into, renewing or expanding agreements connected to the creation, placement or broadcast of the advertisements for two weeks. The judge also said the government could not use Department of Homeland Security funds to continue the campaign.
The Justice Department had argued that an injunction was unnecessary because the advertising drive was due to end on Sunday. But Judge Rochon rejected that argument and ordered an immediate halt to further airings.
The campaign, which began in late September, was funded through a $20 million allocation from the Department of Homeland Security. A court filing said about $19 million had already been spent on media bookings by the time of the hearing.
The advertisements were presented by the White House as public service announcements about border security and the administration’s policies. Critics, however, said they promoted the president and echoed Republican campaign messaging ahead of the US midterm elections.
At least 13 campaign-style adverts were produced, with some broadcast on major television networks and streamed online. One featured Mr Trump discussing the threat of communism, while another closely resembled a video from his 2024 presidential campaign. A later advert focused on the alleged capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The use of government money attracted criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said the adverts “shouldn’t be paid for with taxpayer dollars”.
The White House has defended the spending by comparing the adverts with public information campaigns used by previous administrations. Mr Trump has also said he would arrange for future broadcasts to be paid for through his political fundraising operation, MAGA Inc.
There were no immediate plans to reimburse the government for the money already spent, according to officials cited in court filings. The Democratic National Committee has separately brought legal proceedings challenging the advertising campaign.
