Six Weeks Before the Midterms, a 30-Second Ad "Paid for by the U.S. Government" Runs on Fox News and Newsmax With Trump Declaring "America Will Never Be a Communist Country" Over the Song "Love Me" — the White House Calls It "Educational and Unapologetically Patriotic," Jamie Raskin Says It "May Be Felony Criminal Theft," and Maggie Hassan Says It "Does Not Have a Clear Official Government Purpose"
In late September 2026, a 30-second spot carrying the disclosure "Paid for by the U.S. Government" began airing repeatedly on Fox News and Newsmax. Set to JMSN's song "Love Me," it shows Trump saying "Together we will defeat communism, socialism and Marxism in America. America will never be a communist country," flashes "LARGEST TAX CUTS IN HISTORY," "REIGNITING AMERICAN MANUFACTURING" and "DEFEND LAW AND ORDER AND POLICE," and includes UFC CEO Dana White calling Trump "the toughest, most resilient person I've ever met." AdImpact put the initial buy at about $14,000; ABC News reported the Department of Homeland Security paid for it. The White House called the spots "public service announcements" that are "educational and unapologetically patriotic," arguing "The President is not on the ballot and the ads don't have a call to action." On Sept. 24, Sen. Maggie Hassan, ranking Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee, wrote to Chief of Staff Susie Wiles demanding the cost, funding source and government purpose of the ad by Oct. 8, and Rep. Jamie Raskin said it may violate the Hatch Act and federal theft statutes. Federal appropriations law bars agencies from spending on unauthorized publicity or propaganda.
“It's a great message. I like the message. But it shouldn't be paid for with taxpayer dollars.”