A temporary restraining order issued on October 11, 2026, bars further spending on DHS taxpayer-funded ads, but Common Cause says Trump administration’s ads continued to air hundreds of times afterward.

Historic context notes that Trump has directed use of DHS funds for ad campaigns, with reporting from The New York Times and NBC News about prior budget approvals and lack of notification to CBP administrators.

A two-page notice lists more than 400 ad spots, including the Final Battle ad on CBS's 60 Minutes and the Maduro ad on America’s Funniest Home Videos, among others.

Media outlets including CNBC report timing and assurances from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office that ads would end by a Sunday, which Common Cause says did not happen.

Common Cause says it has not sought contempt sanctions but has asked for a status conference to assess compliance after ads reportedly ran on October 12, 2026.

Judge Rochon’s TRO blocks further DHS spending of the roughly $20 million allocated for the campaign, about $19 million of which had already been spent.

The TRO and related reporting reflect ongoing disputes over using taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads and the administration’s compliance with court orders.