United States President Donald Trump announced Monday that taxpayer funds will no longer be used for television advertisements that feature him and praise his administration. The decision follows widespread criticism from ethics experts and lawmakers regarding the campaign-style spots, which have aired nationally.

Trump defended the advertisements, describing them as "a positive promotion for our Great U.S.A.". However, he stated that future funding for such ads would come from either himself or his MAGA PAC, which had amassed over $400 million by the end of July. The ads, which cost at least $1.5 million in federal funds, were broadcast ahead of the US November midterm elections.

The nationally broadcast advertisements have drawn significant backlash. One ad features Trump declaring, "America will never be a communist country," while a chorus repeats the phrase "love me." Another combines images of Mount Rushmore with footage of Trump discussing a "golden age of America." Both ads concluded with a disclaimer indicating they were paid for by the US government.

Ethics experts and lawmakers from both parties have called for independent investigations into the use of federal funds for these advertisements. California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Monday urged an independent probe, labeling the practice a "staggering misuse of public funding and breach of public trust."

Last month, Democratic lawmakers reported that the White House had transferred $20 million from the Department of Homeland Security to air these advertisements, one of which closely resembled a 2024 Trump campaign ad. They subsequently sought independent investigations into the matter.

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, a Republican appointed by Trump, had previously stated that the advertisements were appropriate and rejected a request to investigate them. The ads have been aired during major programming, including football games.

The move to halt taxpayer funding addresses concerns about the blurring lines between official government promotion and political campaigning, particularly in the lead-up to significant elections. The MAGA PAC's substantial financial reserves suggest the potential for continued advertising, albeit through private political funding.

Questions remain regarding the exact total cost of the advertisements and whether any further investigations will be launched into their initial funding and broadcast, despite the president's announcement to cease using public money for similar future promotions.