White House Diverts Customs and Border Protection Funds for Advertising Campaign

<figure><img alt="US President Donald J. Trump makes an announcement on healthcare in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, September 18, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/LE5ONHG2SRE6LAX3HGHTKP6AYM.JPG?auth=1a3a17934cdc3071ca0813a004ab77f50bca2db557d6534d5679cc1a7d74f65e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5500&amp;height=3094" /><figcaption>Evan Vucci/REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>The White House has redirected funds from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for a national advertising campaign featuring President Donald Trump, without notifying senior agency officials. A report from NBC News on October 1, 2026, indicated that CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott and other senior leaders were not involved in the decision-making process regarding the use of agency funds for these advertisements, which have been described as legally ambiguous.</p><p>A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official stated, “They didn’t sign off on it,” referring to the CBP leaders. The official noted that there was an expectation that funding would not be taken from CBP for the advertisements.</p><p>According to a White House official, the ad campaign was initiated by President Trump, who personally selects the advertisements. CBP leaders reportedly discovered through a Wall Street Journal article that their funds had been utilized for the campaign.</p><p>The advertisements, which did not focus on border security or immigration, aired during primetime television slots and included the disclaimer “Paid for by the U.S. Government.”</p><p>One official explained that the ads aim to remind viewers of the administration's accomplishments during the first year and a half, describing the content as a mix of positive messaging. The official stated, “Some of it is a feel-good Americana-type message. It runs the gamut of a lot of different messaging points. And it’s messaging points that are our strongest points.”</p><img alt="The government's latest taxpayer-funded ad touted Trump's Iran war. / U.S. Government" height="710" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/BDR623UGHVEZ7F7TIL3EN6Y7FA.png?auth=a7d785963919df643dc59d71b92aed60380d37bf641706bbec55d56b2c814be8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1272&amp;height=710" width="1272" /><p>A DHS spokesperson stated that the department adheres to all applicable rules regarding contracting decisions and ensures that all decision-makers are informed. The spokesperson added, “All contracting decisions are made in accordance with applicable law.”</p><p>Earlier in the week, the White House characterized the ads as public service announcements aimed at fostering national pride and understanding of what makes the country worth defending. A spokesperson described the ad as educational and patriotic, asserting, “We should be proud of our country.”</p><p>Critics have expressed concerns that the advertisements may constitute propaganda and could potentially violate federal law. Following the airing of the ads, senators from both political parties have criticized the decision to use CBP funds for this purpose.</p><p>Democratic senators have formally requested explanations from the White House regarding the funding and production of the advertisements, raising concerns about possible legal violations by members of the administration.</p>