Trump says his super PAC will start paying for controversial taxpayer-funded ads
Updated on: October 5, 2026 / 7:29 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- President Trump will fund pro-Trump ads with money raised by his super PAC, MAGA, Inc.
- This shift follows criticism over the U.S. government using taxpayer funds for the ads.
- The ads, described by the White House as public service announcements, feature messages against "communism, socialism and Marxism" and recount U.S. actions.
- The Department of Homeland Security had awarded $20 million to LMD Agency for a "National Media Campaign."
- Bipartisan criticism argued the ads could violate federal laws against using government funds for propaganda.
- GOP Sen. John Kennedy stated public money should not be spent on private ads for officials.
- MAGA, Inc. has a significant war chest, with over $400 million on hand at the end of August.