Kathrine Frich
A separate lawsuit filed by the Democratic National Committee also challenged the promotional spots.
Politicians often test the boundaries of self-promotion when public funds are involved, but using taxpayer money to air glowing political broadsides quickly invites legal warfare.
When government resources start looking like a reelection campaign machine, courts are forced to draw the line.
Court blocks spending
Federal Judge Jennifer Rochon has issued a temporary restraining order forcing the Trump administration to immediately halt government-funded television commercials that showcase the president in a favorable light.
The ruling targets advertisements paid for by the Department of Homeland Security, according to O2. Rochon ordered the administration to cancel all remaining scheduled slots, including broadcasts booked for Sunday evening.
The legal challenge was mounted by government watchdog group Common Cause, a New York labor union, and an organization tied to Democratic Congressional candidate Robert Hunter.
A separate lawsuit filed by the Democratic National Committee also challenged the promotional spots.
Taxpayer dollars targeted
Although Justice Department attorneys claimed the ad buys were already set to end, Judge Rochon emphasized that the plaintiffs faced immediate and irreparable harm if the campaign continued.
“The plaintiffs have demonstrated a high probability of prevailing on the merits of their case, that they would suffer irreparable harm if the injunction were not granted, that the balance of interests favors them, and that the issuance of such an injunction is in the public interest,” Rochon wrote in her ruling.
Watchdog groups celebrated the swift decision as a crucial stand against government-funded political propaganda. Virginia Kase Solomón, president and CEO of Common Cause, confirmed that the organization plans to push forward with its legal proceedings.
She expressed hope that no president from any political party will be allowed to harness public tax dollars for partisan self-promotion.
