The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration in federal court in Washington on Wednesday, seeking to halt taxpayer-funded television advertisements that portray President Donald Trump favorably.
The DNC alleges the ads improperly used federal money for political promotion and violated restrictions on government spending for “publicity or propaganda.” Fox News reported the suit alleges $20 million was diverted for producing and broadcasting the ads, while the Guardian said the advertisements had cost more than $12 million. The lawsuit also cites the Anti-Deficiency Act and the Purpose Statute, according to NBC News.
Trump and the White House have defended the advertisements, NBC reported. Axios reported that Trump’s super PAC will not reimburse the government for money spent on the ads. The DNC is asking a judge to stop the campaign.