Senator Patty Murray Calls for End to Taxpayer-Funded Trump Ad

Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate committee responsible for federal spending, demanded on Thursday that the White House stop airing a taxpayer-funded television ad promoting President Donald Trump. In a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Murray and other Democrats on the House and Senate appropriations committees requested information on how many taxpayer dollars were spent on the 30-second commercial, which aired on Fox News on Wednesday. The ad features rapid images of Trump alongside his voice stating, "America will never be a communist country," supported by a chorus singing, "love me." Murray stated, "If President Trump wants people to love him, he can pay for it himself," and described the ad as government propaganda that should not occur in the United States. The White House responded that the ads are not political as they do not include a call to action, describing them as public service announcements aimed at reminding Americans to appreciate their country. The ad includes messages about American manufacturing and law enforcement, concluding with UFC President Dana White praising Trump. Murray and her colleagues argue that the ad violates laws regarding the use of government funds for publicity and the Hatch Act, which prohibits political activity by government officials. Some Republican senators also criticized the ad, with comparisons made to actions by foreign leaders. Despite not being eligible for another term, Trump has continued fundraising, with his super PAC, MAGA Inc., reporting over $400 million in funds as of the end of July.