The Department of Homeland Security committed $20 million to a campaign-style advertising effort promoting President Donald Trump, while FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the three taxpayer-funded spots require no agency review and create no broadcaster liability. The ads, which the White House calls patriotic public service announcements, have drawn criticism from lawmakers and ethics experts in both parties over possible violations of restrictions on government propaganda and political activity. More than $2.5 million was spent on the spots in seven days, according to AdImpact, and Public Citizen filed an FCC complaint seeking to classify them as campaign advertisements. Democratic senators Patty Murray and Chris Murphy demanded answers from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin within 48 hours about the spending, additional ads and whether Trump was consulted.