A federal judge in New York has issued a temporary restraining order forcing the Trump administration to immediately halt government-funded television ads that critics say constitute political propaganda aimed at swaying the upcoming midterm elections. The order, stemming from a lawsuit filed by advocacy group Common Cause and the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, stops the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from spending any more of the $20 million allocated to the controversial ad campaign, of which about $19 million has already been spent.

Judge Jennifer Rochon's ruling came after the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office, representing the administration, stated that the ads would cease airing after Sunday. However, Rochon found there was still a risk of harm and denied the argument that the case was moot since some ads were scheduled for Sunday evening. The decision also prohibits the Trump administration from entering new contracts or expanding existing agreements for these advertisements, including a paused purchase order with contractor Lepugh Inc., operating as LMD Agency Inc.

The ads, featuring President Donald Trump and highlighting his administration’s achievements, have drawn bipartisan criticism for blurring the lines between government communication and political campaigning. One ad, titled “The Country He Loves,” promotes tax cuts, manufacturing, law enforcement, and anti-communism messaging, which opponents argue unlawfully use taxpayer funds to support the president’s political agenda. Senator Maggie Hassan and other officials have voiced concerns that the ads violate federal laws that limit government spending on political propaganda.

In response to the backlash, Trump announced on October 5 that he would personally finance the ads going forward through his super PAC, MAGA Inc., but declined to reimburse the government for the ads already aired. The coalition behind the lawsuit applauded the judge’s swift action, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law to prevent misuse of public funds for electoral purposes. Meanwhile, a separate lawsuit from the Democratic National Committee also challenges the legality of these ads in federal court.