GoKawiilTrump DHS ads kept airing after judge's order blocking them took effect
A federal judge's temporary restraining order barred government-funded Trump ads from airing starting 6:45pm on October 11, citing likely violations of a law against government propaganda. Despite the order, the ads—including spots about immigration, Iran, and Maduro's capture—continued through the night and into October 12. A US attorney later apologized, saying agency counsel didn't see the order until the next morning due to a delayed email forward.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The lapse raises questions about internal coordination between DHS, CBP and the Justice Department in complying with federal court orders, and could factor into further litigation over the legality of the $20 million ad campaign. It also highlights tension between Trump's stated plan to personally fund future ads and the government's continued role in placing them through CBP's contract with LMD Agency.
- A judge's TRO blocking taxpayer-funded Trump ads wasn't immediately followed, with ads airing into October 12.
- The government blamed a delayed internal email as the reason compliance was late, and apologized to the court.
- The ads stemmed from a $20 million CBP purchase order with ad firm LMD Agency made September 20.
Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-10-13
Published there as: “Trump's taxpayer-funded ads kept airing on TV the day after judge blocked them”
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