Taxpayers are paying for President Donald Trump's new advertising campaign, according to an ethics expert who says the spending raises serious questions about the use of public funds for political messaging.
The ads, which promote Trump's border policies, are being funded through government channels rather than his campaign account, the expert told CBS News. That means the cost falls on American taxpayers instead of donors or political committees.
The arrangement drew criticism from government watchdog groups, who argue that public money should not be used to promote a sitting president's political agenda. The expert said the practice blurs the line between official government communication and campaign-style advertising.
"This is not about whether the message is popular," the ethics expert said. "It's about who pays for it and whether that spending serves the public or the president's political interests."
The ads come as the Trump administration ramps up its messaging on immigration and border enforcement, a central theme of his political platform. Federal agencies have produced similar promotional materials in recent months, prompting repeated complaints from ethics watchdogs.
Legal experts note that government communications are permitted when they serve an official purpose, but they cannot cross into pure political advocacy. The line between the two is often disputed, and enforcement is rare.
Taxpayer-funded advertising by sitting presidents is not new, but critics say the scale and tone of the current campaign are unusual. Previous administrations have faced similar accusations, though the spending typically drew less attention.
It is not clear how much the current ad campaign costs or which agency is footing the bill. The White House has not released details on the funding source or the total price tag.
The ethics expert called for greater transparency, saying the public has a right to know how their money is being spent and whether it is being used for political purposes. Watchdog groups have asked for a formal review of the spending.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the funding. The story is developing, and more details are expected as the campaign continues.
