DNC and Common Cause Sue Trump Over Misuse of Funds

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the watchdog group Common Cause filed lawsuits against President Donald Trump in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

They allege that the Trump administration misappropriated public funds, specifically from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to finance a multi-million-dollar television advertising campaign promoting Trump ahead of the midterm elections. The lawsuits name Trump, the White House, DHS, and the Office of Management and Budget as defendants, arguing that using taxpayer dollars for such ads violates federal laws prohibiting the use of appropriated money for publicity or political propaganda without congressional approval.

The DNC Chairman Ken Martin stated that this action unfairly advantages Republican candidates. Ad-tracking estimates indicate that between $10 million and $12 million has been spent from a $20 million contract with a Maryland firm.

Following criticism, Trump announced that future ads would be funded by his campaign and super PAC, MAGA Inc., although existing ads continued to air with a government disclaimer.