Public Citizen has asked the US Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission to tell broadcasters to stop airing Trump advertisements that it says may breach laws against taxpayer-funded propaganda and restrictions on federal employees’ political activity. The group argues that one advert, “The Final Battle”, reuses footage and audio from a 2024 Trump campaign commercial, but now carries a notice saying it was paid for by the US government; the White House describes the newer adverts as public service announcements.

The ads aired on several television programmes and during college and NFL games, with funding reportedly coming from the Department of Homeland Security. Senate Democrats say DHS has allocated $20 million to the effort, while an advertising analytics firm estimates more than $1.7 million has already gone on airtime. The article says regulators are unlikely to intervene, and broadcasters may be reluctant to reject the ads amid pressure from the FCC.