Trump Official Reportedly Funneled $20M for Border Security to Pay for President’s TV Ads

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

President Donald Trump personally ordered OBM director Russell Vought to find taxpayer money for TV ads promoting his presidency, triggering a $20 million government contract funded through Customs and Border Protection (CBP), according to a new report.

The New York Times reported Friday that Trump instructed Vought, who runs the Office of Budget Management, to come up with the money from inside the federal government after expressing enthusiasm for ads about himself and his administration.

The money, according to the Times, was ultimately drawn from funds available to CBP and shifted on September 19 into a Department of Homeland Security budget category for “commemorative events.” One day later, CBP awarded a $20 million “national media campaign” contract to Maryland marketing firm LMD.

The Times, citing 12 people familiar with the process, reported that Trump had been eager to get the promotional spots on television and personally approached Vought about financing them. White House Counsel Will Scharf and OMB counsel Mark Paoletta concluded that DHS money could legally be used, according to the report.

At least four ads have since aired across cable and broadcast television, including Fox News, CNN and MS NOW. One is effectively identical to a Trump 2024 campaign video, while another features flattering imagery of the president accompanied by the song “Love Me.” The advertisements carry the disclaimer: “Paid for by the U.S. government.”

The campaign has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans over federal restrictions barring taxpayer money from being used for “publicity or propaganda purposes.” Democratic lawmakers have requested investigations into whether the spending violated federal law.

The White House maintains the commercials are public service announcements rather than political advertising, arguing they do not ask viewers to support Trump or any candidate.

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