On a Sunday night, U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon granted a temporary restraining order that directs the Trump administration to cancel any remaining television commercials paid for with taxpayer money. The order, which lasts two weeks, specifically bars the government from entering into, renewing, or expanding any agreement that would authorize the development, creation, dissemination, placement, or airing of the challenged advertisements.
The Department of Homeland Security had drawn $20 million in congressionally appropriated funds to finance the ad campaign.
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A coalition that includes the watchdog groups Common Cause and Democracy Forward brought the lawsuit, arguing that the advertisements constitute an illegal misuse of federal funds. Democracy Forward’s statement praised the court’s swift action, saying it prevented "more taxpayer dollars from being used for such blatantly unlawful political propaganda." The plaintiffs maintained that using government machinery to promote a political message lacks legal justification.
Beyond simply canceling existing spots, Judge Rochon’s order prohibits the administration from making any new deals for the ads during the two‑week window.
The Justice Department countered that the restraining order was unnecessary because the ad campaign was set to end, asserting in its filing that "the alleged offending conduct will end tomorrow." Meanwhile, the White House defended the spots as public service announcements akin to those run by previous administrations, but acknowledged that these recent ads differ because they are not aimed at helping the public benefit from specific government programs.
Beyond simply canceling existing spots, Judge Rochon’s order prohibits the administration from making any new deals for the ads during the two‑week window. The language of the order, quoted directly, states: "Defendants shall not enter into, renew, or expand any agreement authorizing the development, creation, dissemination, placement, or airing of the challenged advertisements."
As of the ruling, the temporary restraining order remains in effect for two weeks, freezing any additional taxpayer‑funded television advertising by the Trump administration. The case involves the Department of Homeland Security, which utilized the funds for advertisements that Holly Mehringer noted were available for, among other things, 'commemorating efforts and events related to border security.'