Judge orders halt to $20 million DHS ads featuring Trump

A federal judge on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, ordered the Trump administration to immediately stop and cancel remaining ads funded through a nearly $20 million Department of Homeland Security contract drawn from Customs and Border Protection funds and featuring President Donald Trump. CNBC and Axios identify U.S. District Judge Jennifer Rochon of the Southern District of New York; one outlet attributes the order to Jennifer Rearden, says it took effect at 6:45 p.m. Eastern that day, and remains in force two weeks. New York plaintiffs include Common Cause, Democracy Forward, SEIU Local 32BJ, and an Alabama House candidate; the Democratic National Committee sued separately in D.C. Defendants include DHS, Secretary Markwayne Mullin, OMB Director Russell Vought, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The court found the motion not moot and that plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits, face irreparable harm without an injunction, that equities tip their way, and that an injunction serves the public interest. Plaintiffs had sought a block before weekend football and Saturday Night Live. Virginia Kase Solomón of Common Cause said the group will not stop until the administration is held fully accountable and no president can waste taxpayer funds for propaganda. The coalition said it was pleased the court blocked further spending on what it called unlawful political propaganda and that there is no justification for using government funds set for other uses to influence electoral outcomes. The administration argued the campaign was already set to end Oct. 11, plaintiffs lacked standing, and New York venue was improper. Trump said the ads were positive promotion for our great U.S.A. but would no longer be taxpayer-funded. The White House said MAGA PAC will fund future ads without reimbursing taxpayers. A hearing is set for Oct. 13.