White House airs Trump ads funded by government

The White House is airing government-funded television advertisements featuring President Donald Trump, including a 30-second spot that promotes his policies and ends with a disclosure that it was paid for by the U.S. government. Spending estimates for the first ad range from about $430,000 to at least $443,000, while critics in both parties have questioned whether the use of public funds is appropriate or lawful. The first ad began airing Wednesday, September 23, and was still running Friday on network television in markets around the country. It shows Trump pledging to defeat communism, socialism and Marxism, alongside text promoting tax cuts, manufacturing and law enforcement. Its soundtrack features a chorus from the song Love Me by JMSN. The singer said on social media that he did not authorize use of the song for a political agenda or campaign. The White House describes the advertisements as educational and patriotic public-service announcements, arguing that Trump is not on the ballot and that the spots contain no call to action. It has cited public-service announcements aired by previous administrations as comparisons.