Brief
Senator John Kennedy Calls White House Trump Ads ‘Private Campaigns’
Kennedy urged a rule against using public money for partisan ads after the White House aired a series of Trump‑focused spots.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Sunday, Senator John Kennedy told CBS News that the White House’s recent taxpayer‑funded advertising campaign featuring Donald Trump was a private campaign effort and likely illegal. Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, said the ads were “probably” a violation of the Hatch Act, which bars federal employees from partisan political activity.
During the interview, Kennedy referenced a March rebuke of former Texas Governor Kristi Noem, who had spent $220 million of government funds on her own campaign ads. He said Noem’s spending was “a masterclass dumb” and that the White House’s new ads were similarly improper.
White House officials describe the spots as “public service announcements” that air on major networks, cable, and during a college football game between Ohio State and Illinois on Fox. The 30‑second spot shows a black‑and‑white image of Trump with a voiceover calling him “the toughest, most resilient person I ever met” and ending with the line “paid for by the US government.”
Kennedy said, “I don’t think any public official, including President Trump or Kristi Noem or John Kennedy, should spend public money … on private ads for themselves.” He added that a rule should exist to prevent public money from being used to promote a private candidate.
The White House has not yet responded to Kennedy’s criticism. The debate highlights ongoing concerns about the use of taxpayer funds for partisan political messaging.
Key facts
- Senator John Kennedy said the White House’s Trump ads were probably illegal under the Hatch Act (theguardian.com)
- The ads are billed by the White House as public service announcements (theguardian.com)
- A 30‑second spot featuring Trump aired during a college football game on Fox (theguardian.com)
- Kennedy compared the ads to a $220 million campaign for Kristi Noem (theguardian.com)
Background
The White House’s use of taxpayer money for political advertising has been a point of contention in recent months, especially after President Trump banned several media outlets from the White House in late September. The ban was temporarily overturned by a federal judge on September 24, restoring access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico. The current controversy follows that backdrop of heightened scrutiny over executive communications and press freedom.
Why it matters
The incident raises questions about the limits of executive use of public funds for partisan purposes and the enforcement of the Hatch Act.
What happens next
The White House has not issued a response; further statements from the administration or the Senate are expected.
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Republican senator criticizes White House for taxpayer-funded Trump ads”
