The Trump administration used Department of Homeland Security funds for television ads featuring President Donald Trump, with at least $1.7 million spent on three spots in recent days, according to AdImpact. Federal records show money was moved into a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) account for "commemorative events" on Sept. 19, followed the next day by a $20 million contract to Maryland-based LMD Agency for a "National Media Campaign." The funding appears to come from Trump's 2025 tax and spending law, which allocated $6.2 billion for border security improvements and related commemorative activities. Critics argue the advertisements could breach federal propaganda law, while the White House describes them as patriotic public service announcements. Senate Democrats have demanded that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin explain the spending, whether the campaign will continue and DHS's role in airing it.