Yes
They should.
No
They shouldn’t.
A new controversy in Washington is raising questions about where government communication ends and political promotion begins.
The Trump administration has aired television advertisements featuring President Donald Trump that are being paid for with federal taxpayer dollars. The White House has described the spots as public service announcements designed to promote patriotic and government messages.
However, lawmakers from both political parties have questioned whether taxpayers should be responsible for advertisements that prominently feature and praise the sitting president. Associated Press reporting says approximately $1.5 million in taxpayer money has been associated with three advertising campaigns, while the administration has defended the broadcasts as legitimate government messaging.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, is among those who have raised concerns about taxpayer-funded advertisements promoting President Trump. The criticism is notable because it is coming not only from Democrats but also from members of the president’s own party.
Presidents from both parties have appeared in government-funded public service announcements in the past. The current disagreement centers on whether these particular advertisements serve a clear public-information purpose or are too similar to political messaging.
The White House rejects criticism that the advertisements are improper, while opponents argue political-style promotion should instead be paid for with campaign or party funds rather than tax dollars.