The Trump administration is broadcasting taxpayer-funded television advertisements featuring President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections, drawing bipartisan criticism and fresh legal scrutiny. Former White House ethics attorney Richard Painter said using public money for campaign advertisements could be an impeachable offense, while Republican Sen. John Kennedy said the practice was probably illegal. The spots carry the disclaimer "Paid for by the U.S. Government." Earlier AdImpact data cited by CNBC put spending above $362,000 for a black-and-white advertisement and nearly $920,000 for a separate spot using JMSN's song "Love Me." The White House argues the broadcasts are public service announcements because Trump is not on the November ballot, despite his instruction that voters pretend he is.