CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE DEMANDS TRUMP STOP USING TAXPAYER DOLLARS FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING
As top House Democrat overseeing federal elections and House operations, Morelle questions legality of taxpayer-funded ad ahead of November elections
(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, led top senior House Democrats in demanding President Donald Trump immediately stop airing a new television advertisement bearing the disclaimer “Paid for by the U.S. Government” amid serious questions about whether taxpayer dollars and federal resources are being illegally used for political purposes. Members are demanding the Trump Administration disclose who authorized and paid for the advertisement, what legal authority was used to fund it, and whether it underwent a legal review before being broadcast.
“At a time when families are struggling with the cost of groceries, housing, healthcare, and other everyday necessities, taxpayer dollars should be used to make their lives easier—not to bankroll political advertising,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “The American people deserve to know who authorized this advertisement, how much it cost, where the money came from, and whether federal laws designed to protect taxpayers from political misuse of government resources were followed. We are demanding answers, accountability, and an immediate end to this advertisement.”
“This advertisement indicates a potential significant misuse of taxpayer funds and federal government resources for what appears to be political advertising. Given the proximity to the November midterm elections, this advertisement—and the circumstances surrounding its development and production—warrants an immediate investigation,” the Members wrote.
The Members further emphasized that while presidents have broad authority to publicly advocate for their policies, federal resources cannot simply be treated as political campaign funds.
As chair of the Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force, Congressman Morelle has consistently pushed for greater transparency and accountability in government and, as the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, has worked to protect the integrity of American elections and ensure government institutions serve the public interest.
Read the full letter here.
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