New York judge blocks taxpayer funding for Trump ads for 14 days

A federal judge in New York ordered the Trump administration on October 11 to halt taxpayer-funded advertisements featuring the president and cancel remaining broadcast slots.

Judge Jennifer Rochon issued a temporary restraining order in a case brought by Common Cause, a service workers’ union and its political committee, and Alabama legislative candidate Robert Hunter. The challengers alleged that the campaign used public money for partisan promotion ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

The order takes effect for 14 days, subject to extension. It bars the use of Department of Homeland Security funds for the challenged advertisements and requires the government to report on compliance within 24 hours.

The administration had already told the court it planned to stop running the ads. The White House had also said Trump’s political fundraising would pay for future broadcasts, but would not reimburse taxpayers for advertisements already aired.

The ruling provides temporary relief while the case proceeds. Rochon said the applicants had shown they were likely to succeed on the merits and that a fuller opinion would follow.