Several of President Donald Trump's own advisers and administration officials have raised alarms over a taxpayer-funded television advertising campaign starring the president, with some describing the initiative as potentially illegal and others actively distancing themselves from the effort, according to a report by Zeteo.

Officials and allies who took part in discussions about the ads characterized them as “obviously illegal,” one senior Trump official told the outlet. A separate source close to the White House said they were invited to take on a role in the project but declined, citing legal concerns. “It did not sound legal at all,” the individual said.

According to two people familiar with the matter, Trump has privately referred to the commercials as “midterm ads.” The White House has rejected that characterization, maintaining that the spots are lawful public service announcements rather than political advertising. The distinction between those two labels is central to the dispute, because it determines how restrictions on the use of congressionally appropriated money apply.

The controversy centers on a series of government-funded ads featuring Trump that began airing weeks before the November 3 midterm elections. One of the spots closely mirrors a 2024 Trump campaign ad in which he declared a “final battle” against “globalists,” “warmongers,” and the “deep state.” Another features the song “Love Me” as Trump asserts that America will never become a communist nation. All three ads conclude with the disclaimer, “Paid for by the US Government.”

Zeteo also reported that several advisers have sought to keep their names off documents and internal communications connected to the campaign, fearing future congressional investigations and potential legal costs.

The Department of Homeland Security has allocated $20 million to the effort, redirecting funds originally designated for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Federal spending data confirmed that a $20 million “National Media Campaign” contract was awarded to Maryland-based LMD Agency Inc. immediately after the funds were reallocated.

Critics argue the ads may breach restrictions on the use of congressionally appropriated money for government propaganda or partisan political activities. Public Citizen has called on broadcasters to stop airing the spots and has urged federal authorities to investigate potential improper partisan engagement by executive branch officials.

More than $2.5 million had already been spent on the ads within their first seven days, according to data from AdImpact — early outlays in a campaign backed by a $20 million budget. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said firmly that taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund the campaign, an objection notable for coming from the leader of the Senate's Republican majority.

Axios has reported that Trump is taking a hands-on approach to selecting the ads and that the campaign is set to expand as Election Day draws closer. “This is just the beginning,” an administration official declared. As the spots multiply, the outstanding questions are whether broadcasters heed Public Citizen's call to pull them and whether federal authorities take up its request for an investigation.