Trump Administration Used Border Funds for Pro-Trump TV Ads, Officials Confirm
President Donald Trump’s administration diverted more than $1.7 million originally intended for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to finance favorable television advertisements resembling campaign spots, according to an official and a top Republican senator who confirmed the funding source to NBC News.
The Funding Mechanism and Appropriation Bypass
The money used to run the controversial spots was pulled directly from funds designated for Customs and Border Protection within the reconciliation package passed by Republicans in 2025, according to Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine. Collins stated that her committee had no role in the White House’s deployment of these specific funds. Standard government funding bills typically feature restrictions against using one account for another purpose, forcing the administration to route the expenditure through the reconciliation bill framework.
The political ad-tracking firm AdImpact estimates total spending on the campaign-style broadcasts has surpassed $1.7 million. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., acknowledged the messaging of the spots to reporters, stating that while he liked the message, taxpayer dollars should not fund such broadcasts. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized the move as forcing American citizens to pay for administration propaganda.
Content and Legal Challenges Surrounding the Spots
The first advertisement aired earlier this month, featuring Trump describing his goal to defeat communism while set to the song “Love Me” by JMSN. Legal representation for JMSN subsequently issued a cease-and-desist letter to the White House demanding an immediate halt to the use of the music. A second spot closely mirrors a 2024 Trump presidential campaign commercial, depicting the president walking down a hallway while a voiceover calls on viewers to join a final battle against the deep state and government warmongers.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees CBP, redirected inquiries regarding the ad expenditures to the White House. The administration characterized the spots as public service announcements, despite carrying official disclaimers noting they were paid for by the U.S. government.
Bipartisan Scrutiny on Capitol Hill
Reaction among Republican lawmakers was mixed as details of the CBP fund diversion emerged. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., questioned the administrative decision while expressing doubt that officials would intentionally bypass legal boundaries. Meanwhile, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., offered sharp condemnation of the maneuver.
“I hate it,” Tillis said. “It feels like Viktor Orbán talking to the Hungarian people. There’s no place for that sort of thing.” Tillis noted that political resources should have been utilized if the administration intended to run campaign messaging rather than standard public service communications.