Trump Shifts Funding for Promotional Ads to Super PAC After Criticism

President Donald Trump said on October 5, 2026, that he will fund promotional television ads with money raised for MAGA, Inc. rather than taxpayer funds. AdImpact estimates at least $10.1 million in taxpayer money has been spent; a separate account describes a broader $20 million Department of Homeland Security campaign. The ads carry the disclaimer Paid for by the U.S. Government. At least 13 campaign-style ads were created as of last week, from 15 seconds to three minutes long. One titled Final Battle has aired; unreleased ads cover military operations in Iran and Venezuela. In a Truth Social post Trump said the Radical Left was upset he was paying for them with U.S.A. money and that he would pay for them myself, and with money I raised for MAGA, Inc. The White House called the spots patriotic public-service announcements, citing COVID vaccine messaging under Biden and wartime campaigns under Franklin Roosevelt. Vice President JD Vance compared them to Affordable Care Act information campaigns. Sen. John Hickenlooper called them propaganda. Sen. John Kennedy said public funds cannot promote the president. Rep. Mike Levin criticized taxpayers being made to pay. It was not specified whether the shift covers past or future costs.