Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Use of Public Funds for Political Ads

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from using taxpayer funds for a political advertising campaign ahead of the November midterm elections. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon, issued on October 11, questioned whether federal appropriations were improperly used to promote President Donald Trump. The order requires the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Executive Office of the President to cancel remaining advertisement placements and prohibits new agreements or extensions for the challenged ads.