A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to remove three videos from government channels and stop planned third-party distribution, including through MAGA Inc., days before the Nov. 3 federal general election.
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon issued the order Friday, Oct. 30. It directs officials to remove the videos from government websites and social media accounts and end planned distribution by outside parties. The court document names “$5,000 to Americans,” “Every Democrat Voted Against No Tax on Tips” and “Cost of Socialism.”
Rochon granted relief for three ads after the plaintiffs sought to block at least 13. Courthouse News Service reported that, at the hearing, Rochon said the $5,000 video directly asked voters to “support one political party over another.”
The first video features President Donald Trump’s conditional pledge to pay $5,000 to each adult citizen if Republicans win both the House and Senate. The White House announced the pledge Sept. 10.
The plaintiffs are Common Cause, Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, its Empire State PAC and Alabama state House candidate Robert Hunter. They allege the administration used public funds for partisan messages. The lawsuit concerns Section 718 of the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which bars using appropriated funds for unauthorized publicity or propaganda purposes.
White House spokesperson Lauren Bis criticized the ruling and described the videos as “patriotic,” the Associated Press reported.
The Oct. 30 order is temporary, and the lawsuit will continue. An earlier court order extended the case’s temporary restraining order through Nov. 20 with the parties’ consent. A preliminary-injunction hearing is set for Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. EST.
