Democratic Lawmakers Seek Inquiry Into Taxpayer-Funded Trump Ads

Two Democratic lawmakers called Thursday for independent investigations into taxpayer-funded television advertisements featuring US President Donald Trump ahead of November’s congressional midterm elections.

The request centres on the use of public money to produce the advertisements. Their release shortly before the vote has put the campaign’s timing under scrutiny.

The midterm elections will determine the makeup of Congress, making the president’s appearance in publicly financed advertising a politically sensitive issue.

The lawmakers’ demand adds to the continuing controversy over the advertisements. The information provided did not identify the lawmakers or specify which bodies they want to conduct the investigations.

No details were given about the cost of the advertisements, their content beyond Trump’s appearance, or whether an independent inquiry would be launched.