The Democratic National Committee (DNC) filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Wednesday, seeking to prevent the president from using taxpayer funds to air self-promotional ads. The lawsuit was submitted in federal court in Washington, D.C., with the DNC arguing that these ads constitute illegal government-sponsored propaganda.
Background
According to the media tracking firm AdImpact, the ads promoting Donald Trump have cost taxpayers over $12 million to date. Ken Martin, the DNC chair, stated, "Trump is misusing taxpayer dollars in a last-ditch attempt to save Republicans in November. Americans deserve better than to have their hard-earned tax dollars used for Trump’s illegal schemes."
In response to bipartisan criticism regarding the use of public funds for his promotion during the midterm campaign season, Trump claimed he would instruct the Maga Inc Super PAC to cover the ad costs. However, the White House later clarified that the Super PAC would not reimburse taxpayers for the funds already spent.
Legal Allegations
The DNC's complaint alleges that the ads violate federal law, specifically a prohibition against using congressionally appropriated money for "publicity or propaganda." The lawsuit claims:
“"President Trump personally directed this illegal activity. The White House office crafted the partisan campaign. The office of management and budget shifted $20 million to pay for it. And US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has carried it out. These unlawful actions are ultra vires and violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)."
