President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended television ads featuring him that were paid for with government funds, saying in the Oval Office that they promoted the country rather than his political interests. He said he would repay the money if the spending were found to be improper.
The ads began airing last week, according to washingtonsun.com, after Customs and Border Protection awarded a $20 million contract for a national media campaign. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have questioned whether the spending could be illegal or misuse taxpayer funds. FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the ads did not warrant an FCC review, describing the White House’s explanation that they were public-service announcements as routine. The Daily Beast, citing NBC News, reported that the White House redirected CBP funds for the ads without informing senior agency leaders.