We are paying for our own propaganda.
The White House is using taxpayer money to broadcast a Donald Trump campaign ad. The 30-second spot, called “Final Battle,” is nearly identical to one from his 2024 campaign, except for the final six seconds. Trump promises to demolish the deep state, drive out globalists, and rout the fake news media. Campaign branding is gone and a new closing line reads: “Paid for by the U.S. Government.”
More than $300,000 was spent airing it by Sunday, including during NFL football and Saturday Night Live. The White House calls it a public-service announcement promoting national pride.
Propaganda has long been one of the tools of authoritarian government: using the resources of the state to elevate the leader, define enemies and build support for those in power.
Federal law restricts taxpayer-funded political propaganda. Whether this ad violates that specific law remains undetermined.
But the underlying fact is clear: Americans are now paying to broadcast the current president’s literal campaign message.
We are paying for our own propaganda.
Sources
The Washington Post: White House expands taxpayer-paid ad campaign boosting Trump (September 27, 2026). Includes the campaign comparison, White House response, broadcasts, and AdImpact spending.
U.S. Government Accountability Office: Application of Anti-Lobbying and Publicity or Propaganda Provisions (B-329199).
U.S. Government Accountability Office: Application of a Publicity or Propaganda Provision to an EPA Tweet (B-330107).
