Most Americans oppose Trump’s taxpayer-funded ‘golden age’ ads: Poll

What the report says

A Reuters/Ipsos poll cited by Al Jazeera found broad opposition in the United States to television ads that the Trump administration has aired with federal funds. According to the survey, 86% of respondents, including most Republicans, said it was inappropriate to use taxpayer money for election-related ads featuring President Donald Trump or cabinet officials. The story was published on 7 October 2026 and comes amid growing scrutiny of the campaign ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Al Jazeera reported that the ads promote what the administration calls a patriotic “golden age of America” and have run on network and cable television, including during NFL games and on streaming services. The article said the campaign has cost at least $1.4 million so far, based on AdImpact tracking, and that Democratic lawmakers have alleged $20 million in Homeland Security funding was shifted to pay for it. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Republican leader John Thune both criticized the use of public money, though for different reasons.

Trump said he would stop using taxpayer money for the advertisements and instead cover future spots himself, possibly through his political action committee, MAGA Inc. The White House later said taxpayers would not be reimbursed for earlier ads, while Trump suggested the matter was still being considered. Al Jazeera also noted that critics argue the spots are closer to political messaging than to traditional public service announcements, raising possible legal and ethics concerns. That context matters because it touches on how government funds may be used in an election year and where the line lies between official communication and campaign-style promotion.