Judge Rochon Orders Removal of Three Trump Administration Ads
A federal court ruling requires the White House to take down specific videos arguing for a $5,000 payment to voters before the midterms.
By Robert Marshall ·
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon ordered the federal government to remove three specific advertisements from official websites and social media platforms on Friday. The decision affects videos titled “$5,000 to Americans,” “Every Democrat Voted Against No Tax on Tips,” and “Cost of Socialism.” The court also canceled plans for these ads to air through third parties, including President Donald Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc.
The ruling responds to a lawsuit filed by a coalition that includes the nonpartisan group Common Cause. The plaintiffs argued that the ads functioned as political propaganda rather than standard public information. Judge Rochon, who was nominated by former President Joe Biden, found that the three videos likely violated rules governing the use of taxpayer funds for political messaging. She issued the order during a hearing to expand a temporary restraining order she had granted two weeks prior.
The White House pushed back against the decision shortly after it was issued. Spokesperson Lauren Bis called the judge a “Biden-appointed activist” who issued a “lawless order” to stop the administration from sharing “patriotic videos.” The administration has generally defended the spots as public service announcements similar to those used by previous governments to promote policy initiatives.
Legal experts and the plaintiffs note a key difference between these ads and typical government communications. The current videos do not explain how the public can benefit from specific programs. Instead, they focus on political arguments, including the claim that Americans will receive $5,000 if Republicans maintain control of Congress. In court papers, the coalition argued that Congress did not appropriate funds for the presidency to run a public relations shop to help allies and attack opponents.
Judge Rochon noted that the government has the right to inform the public of its policies and respond to attacks on them. She acknowledged that the plaintiffs sought to restrict the office in ways that were “broad and far reaching.” Consequently, she allowed several other ads to remain online for the time being. She stated that the government would likely prevail on those remaining spots legally.
Government lawyers filed a motion late Friday to exclude MAGA Inc. from the ruling. They argued that the super PAC is not a party to the case and that the administration has no control over its operations. The lawsuit did not list President Trump as a defendant. Judge Rochon has not yet ruled on that request.
The judge emphasized the timing of the order, noting it was issued on a Friday afternoon so the government could not delay removal over a weekend. She warned that irreparable harm would occur to the plaintiffs if the ads remained online while the full case proceeds. A government lawyer confirmed that the relevant staff were present in the courtroom and would be notified immediately to take the content down.
