Judge Jennifer Rochon suspended publicly funded pro-Trump advertisements and blocked $20 million

A federal judge in New York on Sunday suspended a political advertising campaign funded with public money by President Donald Trump’s administration, just over three weeks before the midterm elections. Jennifer Rochon also blocked the allocation of $20 million for producing and broadcasting the advertisements, ruling that allowing them to remain in place could cause irreparable harm.

The order took effect Sunday at 6:45 p.m. local time and applies for 14 days, with the possibility of an extension. The campaign is funded by the Department of Homeland Security and portrays Trump favorably, attacking his political opponents and promoting some recent military actions, including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the war against Iran.

The White House maintains that the advertisements are public-interest and educational messages, not electoral propaganda. Trump denied that he was promoting himself, saying the messages promote the country. He said he was willing to personally cover the costs if the court finds the public funding illegal.