The federal government must pull three taxpayer-funded Trump administration ads that appear to have been made for political or propaganda purposes, including one touting the president's claim that every American will receive $5,000 if Republicans keep control of Congress in the upcoming election, a judge ruled Friday. The AP reports US District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in New York sided with a coalition, which includes the nonpartisan watchdog Common Cause, in ordering the government to take down the advertisements entitled "$5,000 to Americans," "Every Democrat Voted Against No Tax on Tips," and "Cost of Socialism."
Rochon said they must be taken off official government websites, as well as social media sites such as YouTube and Instagram. She also ordered the cancellation of any slots, placements, reservations, or arrangements for the airing or distribution of the ads through authorized third parties, including by President Trump's flagship super PAC, MAGA Inc. Responding to the ruling, White House spokesperson Lauren Bis said, "This Biden-appointed activist judge issued a lawless order to stop the administration from sharing patriotic videos."
The judge ruled during a hearing in which she considered expanding a temporary restraining order she issued two weeks ago, when she banned a series of ads that glorify Trump and echo his political messaging going into the midterms. The plaintiffs sought the removal of at least 13 ads, but Rochon's order applies to just three, at least for now. She said there are instances in which the president's office is entitled to inform the public of its policies, justify its policies, and respond to attacks on its policies.
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