Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr said Wednesday that the government-funded Trump ads now airing across the country do not call for any review by his agency. Speaking at a news conference, Carr described the spots as routine public service announcements and said nothing in them raised concerns. His comments arrive as the ads draw criticism from both parties and a formal complaint from a watchdog group.
Carr says the White House has described the ads as ordinary public service announcements and that he sees no reason for FCC review. Public Citizen argues they are campaign messaging that federal law bars from taxpayer funding. Senate leaders John Thune and Chuck Schumer have both criticized the spending, and Trump defended the ads as promoting the country.
What Carr Said About the Ads
Carr told reporters the ads do not strike him as unusual. Asked about claims that they amount to propaganda, he laughed. He said the White House has explained that they are standard public service announcements of the kind people see regularly, and that he saw nothing unique about them.
A reporter then noted that the advocacy group Public Citizen had filed a complaint with the FCC, pointing out that the Trump campaign used one of the ads in 2024. Carr brushed that aside. He said groups on the left have long tried to turn the agency’s license renewal process into a weapon, and he repeated that the ads raised no red flags.
What the Ads Show
The campaign includes more than one spot. In the first, Trump says he wants to defeat communism while the song “Love Me” by JMSN plays behind him. Another is a slightly shorter version of a 2024 Trump campaign ad. It shows him walking down a hallway while a voice-over asks viewers to join what he calls a final battle to demolish the deep state and push warmongers out of government.
The government-funded Trump ads have been running in recent weeks in several parts of the country, according to NBC News.
The Public Citizen complaint
In its complaint filed Tuesday, Public Citizen said the messages are thinly veiled campaign ads timed to energize Trump’s supporters before the midterm elections. It argued that federal law bars the use of appropriated public funds for propaganda, self-promotion or partisan political advertising.
The group also said none of the ads meet the standard of a public service announcement. In its view, they do not refer to any specific government program and do not inform the public about one. In a separate filing, Public Citizen sent a complaint to the Government Accountability Office and the Office of Special Counsel, alleging that one of the ads violates the Hatch Act and related laws. Readers can find that statement on the Public Citizen website.
| Who spoke | FCC Chair Brendan Carr, at a news conference on Wednesday |
|---|---|
| His position | The ads are normal public service announcements and merit no FCC review |
| Complaint | Filed by Public Citizen on Tuesday, calling the ads unlawful |
| Bipartisan critics | Sen. John Thune (R) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D) |
| Timing | Ads aired in recent weeks, ahead of the midterm elections |
Criticism of the Government-Funded Trump Ads
The use of federal money has drawn criticism across party lines. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said the ads should not be paid for with taxpayer dollars. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, called them an absolute violation of what democracy is supposed to look like.
Anna Gomez, the only Democratic commissioner on the FCC, shared a statement with NBC News. She said she understood the concern about taxpayer dollars promoting a political message, especially so close to an election. She also accused the agency of applying a double standard in its investigative decisions and said she expects Congress to hear more about the matter, since lawmakers are ultimately responsible.
Trump Defends the Ads
Asked about the spots in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said he is not running for office and is not talking about anyone in particular. He described the messaging as a countrywide ad promoting the spirit of the country. He also said he would gladly pay for the ads if someone could show that they were improper, adding that he sees them as ads for the nation.
Carr’s Record at the FCC
Trump appointed Carr, who has been a firm defender of the president. He has made headlines for going after late-night hosts such as Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, as well as network programs he has accused of liberal bias.
This year the FCC ordered Disney’s eight owned-and-operated television stations to file their license renewals early. The order followed a clash between the White House and ABC over a joke Kimmel made about first lady Melania Trump. Disney is challenging the review in court, alleging the FCC is trying to coerce and retaliate against a network that will not bow to the administration. Carr has said the review stems from an FCC probe of Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices, not from speech.
What Remains Unresolved
For now, the agency’s leader has said he sees no basis for a review, while a watchdog group argues the spending on the government-funded Trump ads is unlawful. Public Citizen did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment on Carr’s remarks. Whether Congress or another oversight body takes up the question remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Brendan Carr say about the ads?
He said they are normal public service announcements and that nothing in them merits FCC review.
Who filed a complaint over the ads?
Public Citizen, a progressive advocacy group, filed a complaint with the FCC on Tuesday, according to NBC News.
What does Public Citizen say is wrong with them?
The group says they are thinly veiled campaign ads and do not refer to or inform the public about any specific government program.
Which lawmakers have criticized the spending?
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, have both criticized it.
How did President Trump respond?
He said the ads promote the spirit of the country and that he would gladly pay if someone showed they were wrong.
