Trump spends $20m in taxpayer cash on 'God Made Trump' midterm ad blitz that White House calls 'educational'

From the Newshound archive · first published 3 October 2026 · last updated 4 October 2026.

At least $5.5 million in taxpayer money has already been spent airing 13 government-funded ads lavishing praise on President Trump, with the total budget hitting $20 million drawn from the Department of Homeland Security. The spots feature fighter jets, Marine One and Trump's military record, and end with the disclaimer 'Paid for by the U.S. Government.' Critics are questioning whether the campaign violates federal laws on the use of government resources, given its timing weeks before November's midterm elections.

One ad, titled 'God Made Trump,' was aired at a Republican midterm convention in Dallas, with a narrator declaring: 'So God made Trump.'

The artist JMSN, whose song 'Love Me' features in the spots, has disputed the use of his music in the campaign.

The White House insists the ads are 'educational and unapologetically patriotic' — but Trump has reportedly taken a hands-on personal role in the campaign.