Press ReleaseUrgent2026-09-30

Democrats Demand Answers on DHS Funding Pro-Trump Political Ads Ahead of Midterm Elections

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This press release from Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA) was published on 2026-09-30 and titled "Democrats Demand Answers on DHS Funding Pro-Trump Political Ads Ahead of Midterm Elections".

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Democrats Demand Answers on DHS Funding Pro-Trump Political Ads Ahead of Midterm Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, led Committee Democrats in demanding answers from Secretary Markwayne Mullin over the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) use of taxpayer dollars to bankroll pro-Trump political ads ahead of the midterm elections. The Members raised concerns following recent reporting that revealed pro-Trump television ads labeled “paid for by the U.S. government” were being financed with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) funding provided by Congressional Republicans in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The ads follow more than $200 million in DHS advertising spending under former Secretary Kristi Noem, including commercials developed by politically connected Republican campaign consultants. “This disturbing pattern of redirecting congressionally appropriated funding to advantage one political party must cease immediately.” the Members wrote. “As Secretary, it is your responsibility to ensure that DHS uses its funding in compliance with Federal law prohibiting the use of funds for political propaganda. Homeland Security Committee Democrats demand answers as to how this funding was approved and how it comports with Federal law.” The Members demanded an immediate halt to taxpayer-funded political ads as well as records revealing who authorized the spending, where the money came from, and how DHS justifies it under Federal law. Read the full letter here . ###

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Democrats Demand Answers on DHS Funding Pro-Trump Political Ads Ahead of Midterm Elections WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, led Committee Democrats in demanding answers from Secretary Markwayne Mullin over the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) use of taxpayer dollars to bankroll pro-Trump political ads ahead of the midterm elections. The Members raised concerns following recent reporting that revealed pro-Trump television ads labeled “paid for by the U.S. government” were being financed with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) funding provided by Congressional Republicans in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The ads follow more than $200 million in DHS advertising spending under former Secretary Kristi Noem, including commercials developed by politically connected Republican campaign consultants. “This disturbing pattern of redirecting congressionally appropriated funding to advantage one political party must cease immediately.” the Members wrote. “As Secretary, it is your responsibility to ensure that DHS uses its funding in compliance with Federal law prohibiting the use of funds for political propaganda. Homeland Security Committee Democrats demand answers as to how this funding was approved and how it comports with Federal law.” The Members demanded an immediate halt to taxpayer-funded political ads as well as records revealing who authorized the spending, where the money came from, and how DHS justifies it under Federal law. Read the full letter here . ###