One set of rules for his friends. Your tax dollars for his ads.

A judge ordered Trump’s taxpayer-funded ads off the air. They still ran in nearly 400 spots.

You can say that is not okay.

A federal judge blocked the administration from using Department of Homeland Security money for campaign-style commercials that end with “Paid for by the U.S. Government.” The ads kept running that night and into the next day. They included 193 airings of a “Final Battle” spot during 60 Minutes and 198 airings of a “Maduro” spot during America’s Funniest Home Videos, according to AdImpact data cited in court filings. Justice Department lawyers told the court they “apologize.” The government had already spent more than $15 million to make and place those ads. That was public money used to promote the president after a court said stop.

A Reuters review found Trump granted clemency to at least 85 public officials charged with or convicted of corruption. Most were Republicans or vocal MAGA allies, including 11 of 15 GOP members of Congress convicted over the last two decades. Those favors wiped away a combined 130 years of prison time and more than $15 million in fines and other penalties. One Nevada official convicted of charity fraud got a full pardon weeks before sentencing, avoiding prison, fines, and restitution to donors. The pattern is plain: rewards for allies, reduced consequences for corruption, and many of those people stayed in politics.

Rules for them. Bills for you.

This is about whether leaders follow court orders and keep the law the same for everyone. Voters can demand basic honesty and fair play again.

In 2026, we choose who runs the government.

• Share this with one friend who still thinks both parties behave the same.
• Ask your representative whether they support pardoning corrupt officials and using public money for campaign-style ads.
• Vote in 2026 to replace the officials who treat public power like a perk.
• Check your voter registration at Vote.gov

Countdown

The 2026 midterms are in 17 days.

References

SPECIAL REPORT-In Trump’s pardons for public officials, Republicans win most of the mercy | International . Oct 13, 2026
DOJ ‘apologizes’ for running Trump’s taxpayer ads hundreds of times despite court order yanking them from airwaves | The Independent . Oct 13, 2026