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DHS spends $20M on pro-Trump ads | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Murray and Senator Christopher Murphy asked DHS to explain its use of federal funds for the advertisements.

DHS spends $20M on pro-Trump ads | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
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This article1 analysis · Oct 3, 2026
tl;dr

The Department of Homeland Security committed $20 million to television and streaming ads promoting President Trump, prompting Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans to question the use of taxpayer funds. The White House defended the ads as public service announcements.

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Patty Murray D · WA · SEN
● OPEN

People in this story

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Patty Murray
D · WA · SEN

Senator who joined a letter demanding answers about DHS funding for the ads

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Christopher Murphy
D · CT · SEN

Senator who joined a letter demanding answers about DHS funding for the ads

Murphy's version of this story ↗
Russell Vought
R · Director of the Office of Management and Budget

Office of Management and Budget director whom House Democrats said moved the funds

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President featured in the DHS advertisements

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate Majority Leader who criticized paying for the ads with taxpayer money

Thom Tillis
R · NC · SEN

Senator who compared the ads to propaganda used by Hungary's former leader

Markwayne Mullin
Secretary of Homeland Security

Homeland Security Secretary who received the senators' letter

Henry Cuellar
D · TX-28

Representative who criticized the administration's use of funds and promised oversight

Representative who criticized the administration's use of funds and promised oversight

ALSO MENTIONED  Viktor Orban, Hungary's former leader, used as a comparison by Senator Tillis

Part of a bigger story

7 OUTLETS
Senators Question DHS Funding for Trump Ads

Outlets agree that Patty Murray joined Chris Murphy in asking Homeland Security to explain its use of taxpayer funds for ads promoting or featuring President Trump. Left-leaning outlets stress allegations of political misuse and accountability, including impeachment calls. Center outlets mostly balance lawmakers’ criticism with the White House’s public-service defense, while Politico focuses on Murray’s proposed budget response. Right-leaning outlets present the story as Democrats’ accusation that DHS used border-security funds for the ads, alongside the White House’s defense.

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