---
title: "DHS spent $20 million on pro-Trump ads"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/dhs-spent-20-million-on-pro-trump-ads"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/dhs-spent-20-million-on-pro-trump-ads"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/dhs-spent-20-million-on-pro-trump-ads.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/dhs-spent-20-million-on-pro-trump-ads"
category: "Politics"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-09-29T19:25:12.587Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-29T18:55:31.708Z"
updated: "2026-09-29T21:30:28.288Z"
trust_score: 50
critic_score: 59
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-29T20:55:09.283Z"
---

# DHS spent $20 million on pro-Trump ads

*Critics question use of taxpayer funds for campaign-style messaging close to elections.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 50 of 100, higher is better. Central claims attributed to "sources" or "official says" rather than named bodies, with no independent outlets.
- Craft 59 of 100, higher is better. Reports quote or give right of reply to affected parties and name specific figures, dates, and places.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise more than the body delivers, with mild emphasis and loaded adjectives.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- The Department of Homeland Security used $20 million in taxpayer funds for campaign-style advertisements featuring President Donald Trump.
- The funds were allocated through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, reportedly using money from the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act'.
- Two Democratic senators have written to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers about the use of the funds.
- The White House has defended the advertisements as public service announcements, while critics argue they are a misuse of taxpayer dollars.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allocated $20 million in taxpayer funds for advertisements that feature President Donald Trump. These ads, described as campaign-style and glorifying the president, have drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. The funding reportedly came from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and was drawn from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."

Democratic senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin requesting an explanation for the use of these funds. They questioned whether government funding was being used illegally for political ads and asked if additional funds would be used for similar advertisements. The White House has stated that the advertisements are public service announcements.

## Disagreement on ad content and purpose

WBAL reported that the ads "glorifying President Donald Trump" have drawn widespread criticism from Republicans and Democrats as a "blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars that likely runs afoul of anti-propaganda law." The outlet also stated that the commercials "echo the GOP’s midterm election slogans, against imagery of Trump’s tenure in office." CNBC reported that the ads "feature Trump heavily, tout his tax cuts, attack communism and recycle language from his 2024 campaign." The White House, according to CNBC, defended the campaign as "educational and unapologetically patriotic."

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated, centre-rated, or right-rated digests mention the specific amount of money spent on the ads over the past seven days, as reported by WBAL using data from AdImpact. None of the left-rated, centre-rated, or right-rated digests mention that the actual amount spent could be significantly more, depending on whether networks classified the ads as political, as reported by WBAL.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 41 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 39% (16)
- Centre: 51% (21)
- Right: 10% (4)

10 of 51 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-29T20:55:09.283Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 5 times; 2 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-29T21:30:28.288Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Six left-rated reports stated that the Department of Homeland Security used $20 million in taxpayer funds for campaign-style ads featuring President Donald Trump. These reports noted the ads were funded through U.S. Customs and Border Protection and came from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." They highlighted criticism from Democratic senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy, who demanded answers from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Several reports mentioned that critics argue the ads may violate anti-propaganda laws and are a misuse of taxpayer dollars, particularly close to midterm elections. CNBC reported that President Trump personally pushed for the ads and was involved in their creation. CNBC also noted that federal contracting records show CBP awarded $20 million to LMD Agency for a "National Media Campaign" on September 20, the day after the Office of Management and Budget approved the release of funds to CBP under a "Commemorative Events" funding line.

### Centre

- Centre-rated outlets reported that the Department of Homeland Security spent $20 million on ads featuring President Donald Trump. These reports stated the money came from funds designated for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and was part of a larger bill passed in 2025.
- WBAL and The Record reported that Republicans and Democrats criticised the ads as a misuse of taxpayer money and potentially illegal. WBAL quoted Democratic senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy, who sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers.
- Deltaplex News and MyClallamCounty.com reported that the ads began airing after a contract was awarded to the LMD Agency. A White House spokesperson defended the commercials as educational and patriotic public service announcements.

### Right

- Right-rated outlets reported the Department of Homeland Security spent $20 million on ads. These reports stated the ads glorified President Trump and were paid for with taxpayer funds. The Washington Examiner noted the money was earmarked for Customs and Border Protection.
- The digests from these outlets mentioned criticism of the spending. They stated Republicans and Democrats called it a misuse of taxpayer dollars. The Washington Times reported Democrats were questioning the government spending.
- The digests did not mention the specific content of the ads beyond them promoting President Trump. They also did not name any specific individuals quoted in the reports.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 2
- high: 19
- unknown: 11
- veryHigh: 19

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-ads-homeland-security-taxpayer-funds-b3058590.html) — Homeland Security tapped $20 million in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-ads-homeland-security-taxpayer-funds-b3058590.html) — Homeland Security tapped $20 million in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [The Blade](https://toledoblade.com/news/nation/2026/09/29/homeland-security-20m-taxpayer-funds-pro-trump-ads/stories/20260929103) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [Washington Times](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/29/democrats-question-government-spending-trump-ads) — Democrats question government spending on Trump ads
- [Common Dreams](https://commondreams.org/news/donald-trump-advertisement) — Impeachment Calls Grow as Dems Say Up to $20 Million in Taxpayer Funds Were Used for 'Illegal' Pro-Trump Ads
- [Everett Post](https://everettpost.com/politics/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-by-dhs-sources) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [Washington Examiner](https://washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/4747260/trump-administration-using-border-money-to-pay-for-for-taxpayer-funded-ads) — Democrats accuse Trump admin of using border money for taxpayer-funded ads
- [Delta Daily News](https://deltadailynews.com/politics/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-by-dhs-sources) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [TV News Check](https://tvnewscheck.com/regulation/article/homeland-security-money-financed-pro-trump-television-ads) — Homeland Security Money Financed Pro-Trump Television Ads
- [wsjm.com](https://wsjm.com/2026/09/29/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-by-dhs-sources) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [PBS NewsHour](https://pbs.org/newshour/politics/homeland-security-spending-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security spending $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/us-government/11179594/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads.html) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [MyClallamCounty.com](https://myclallamcounty.com/2026/09/29/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-by-dhs-sources) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/world/article/homeland-security-taps-us20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security taps US$20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [NewsFinale](https://newsfinale.com/local-news/homeland-security-directs-20-million-in-taxpayer-funds-to-pro-trump-advertising-campaign) — Homeland Security Directs $20 Million in Taxpayer Funds to Pro-Trump Advertising Campaign
- [abc 7 News](https://abc7news.com/story/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-dhs-sources/19888386) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [abc30 News](https://abc30.com/story/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-dhs-sources/19888386) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [abc 7 Chicago](https://abc7chicago.com/story/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-dhs-sources/19888386) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [abc 6 Philadelphia](https://6abc.com/story/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-dhs-sources/19888386) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [abc 7 LA](https://abc7.com/story/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-dhs-sources/19888386) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [abc 13 Houston](https://abc13.com/story/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-dhs-sources/19888386) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [abc 7 NY](https://abc7ny.com/story/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-dhs-sources/19888386) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [abc11 Raleigh](https://abc11.com/story/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-dhs-sources/19888386) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [VINnews](https://vinnews.com/2026/09/29/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security Taps $20M In Taxpayer Funds For Pro-trump Ads
- [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/09/29/election-2026-taxpayer-funded-trump-ads) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [NBC News](https://nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-tv-ads-customs-border-protection-money-rcna600527) — Pro-Trump TV advertisements paid for with Customs and Border Protection money, official says
- [washingtonsun.com](https://washingtonsun.com/whitehouse/cbp-20-million-media-campaign-trump-ad) — CBP Got $20 Million for a ‘Media Campaign.’ Lawmakers Say It Was a Misuse of Funds.
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/us-politics/2026/09/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads – WTOP News
- [Loonie Politics](https://looniepolitics.com/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [KXL](https://kxl.com/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/politics/2026/09/29/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [El Paso Inc.](https://elpasoinc.com/news/ap_wire/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads/article_3ff2e50d-5017-5458-aa65-06fce94ac831.html) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [Northwest Newsradio](https://nwnewsradio.com/2026/09/29/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-by-dhs-sources) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [Deltaplex News](https://deltaplexnews.com/politics/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-by-dhs-sources) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [abc News](https://abcnews.com/Politics/pro-trump-ad-campaign-financed-dhs-sources/story?id=136861250) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [MyCentralOregon.com](https://mycentraloregon.com/2026/09/29/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-by-dhs-sources) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [thepulseofnh.com](https://thepulseofnh.com/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-by-dhs-sources) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources - The Pulse of NH
- [SuperHits 103.7 COSY-FM](https://wcsy.com/2026/09/29/pro-trump-ad-campaign-was-financed-by-dhs-sources) — Pro-Trump ad campaign was financed by DHS: Sources
- [Joe.My.God.](https://joemygod.com/2026/09/wsj-dhs-money-finances-trumps-us-paid-ad-blitz) — WSJ: DHS Money Finances Trump’s US-Paid Ad Blitz
- [CNBC](https://cnbc.com/2026/09/29/trump-ads-cbp-dhs-taxpayer-funding-election.html) — Trump government ads were funded by Homeland Security, WSJ reports
- [thepress.net](https://thepress.net/news/national/trump-government-ads-were-funded-by-homeland-security-wsj-reports/article_a4ad1f43-d926-5b46-8645-b2250530207b.html) — Trump government ads were funded by Homeland Security, WSJ reports
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/5d327941f58e75ff) — Homeland Security Money Financed Pro-Trump Television Ads
- [Spectrum News](http://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/politics/2026/09/29/homeland-security--20-million-taxpayer-funds-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [Roll Call](https://rollcall.com/2026/09/29/lawmakers-cry-foul-over-publicly-funded-trump-tv-ads) — Lawmakers cry foul over publicly funded Trump TV ads
- [Political Wire](https://politicalwire.com/2026/09/29/homeland-security-money-financed-pro-trump-tv-ads) — Homeland Security Money Financed Pro-Trump TV Ads
- [The Record](https://therecord.com/news/world/united-states/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads/article_0000e864-5d3b-5bb2-886d-208c6423546f.html) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/world/united-states/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads/article_d854caca-0ffe-5272-af71-d08491b19b23.html) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/09/29/homeland-security-taps-20m-in-taxpayer-funds-for-pro-trump-ads) — Homeland Security taps $20M in taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads
- [The New Republic](https://newrepublic.com/post/215987/trump-stole-homeland-security-funds-love-me-ad-campaign) — Trump Stole Homeland Security Funds to Pay for His “Love Me” Ads

## Questions

**How much money was spent on the pro-Trump ads?**

The Department of Homeland Security reportedly allocated $20 million in taxpayer funds for campaign-style advertisements featuring President Donald Trump. This funding was channeled through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

**Who is questioning the use of these funds?**

Democratic senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy have sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding answers about the use of the $20 million in taxpayer funds for the advertisements.

**What is the White House's response to the ads?**

The White House has defended the advertisements, stating that they are public service announcements. They described the ad campaign as educational and patriotic, aimed at reminding Americans what makes their country worth defending.

**What are the criticisms of the ads?**

Critics argue that the ads may violate anti-propaganda laws and represent a misuse of taxpayer dollars, especially given their timing close to midterm elections. Some reports suggest the ads echo political slogans and feature the president heavily.

---

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