The Trump administration has widened its use of taxpayer-funded television advertisements promoting President Donald Trump, airing a second spot within three days and pushing spending on the first ad past $443,000.
The White House has maintained that the ads are "public service announcements," similar to those used by past presidents, but lawmakers from both parties criticised the first spot on Thursday, questioning its legality and appropriateness given its political tone, its timing so close to November's midterms and its use of taxpayer funds.
