A federal judge in New York ordered the Trump administration to pull three taxpayer-funded ads that appear to be political or propaganda, while declining to remove others.
The ruling
U.S. District Judge Jennifer Rochon sided with a coalition including the watchdog Common Cause on three ads: "$5,000 to Americans," "Every Democrat Voted Against No Tax on Tips" and "Cost of Socialism." They must come down from government websites and social media accounts, and the government must cancel plans for third parties, including the president's super PAC MAGA Inc., to air them. Plaintiffs had sought removal of at least 13.
Rochon said the president's office is allowed to inform the public about and defend its policies, and she thought the government would ultimately win on many of the ads. The White House called the ruling lawless and the ads patriotic videos. It had defended the ads as public service announcements; plaintiffs say they differ because they don't help the public use specific programs.
Sources: PBS News, The Associated Press