The White House released a promotional video featuring President Trump set to JMSN's song 'Love Me,' funded by taxpayer money, according to multiple outlets. The ad has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, according to Salon.
According to The New Republic, the video includes audio of Trump saying, "together we will defeat communism, Marxism, and socialism in America. America will never be a communist country," while text on screen lists claims such as "Largest Tax Cuts in History," "Reigniting American Manufacturing," and "Defend Law and Order and Police."
The White House defended the ad, describing it as "educational" and "patriotic," according to Salon. Newsweek reported that the White House compared the ad to public service announcements historically used for health and wartime messaging.
Multiple outlets, including USA Today, CBS News and The Atlantic, characterized the video as a campaign-style ad promoting the president that was funded with public money.
How each side covered it
Left
- Multiple left-leaning outlets reported the ad was funded by taxpayer money.
- The New Republic detailed specific ad content, including Trump audio on defeating communism and claims about tax cuts and manufacturing.
- Salon reported the ad drew bipartisan criticism and that the White House called it "educational" and "patriotic."
- Outlets including USA Today, CBS News and The Atlantic described the ad as self-promotional or campaign-style.
“Trump uses public funds for 'Love me' ad that promotes himself” — USA Today
Center
- Newsweek reported the White House's comparison of the ad to historical PSAs on health and wartime topics.
“White House Compares Trump 'Love Me' Ad to PSAs on Health, Wartime” — Newsweek
Questions readers ask
What happened with Trump's 'Love Me' ad?
The White House released a promotional video featuring President Trump set to the song 'Love Me' by JMSN, funded by taxpayer money, that critics described as a self-promotional campaign-style ad.
Why did the ad draw criticism?
According to Salon, the ad invited bipartisan criticism because it used taxpayer funds to produce content that outlets like USA Today and The Atlantic characterized as promoting President Trump himself.
How did the White House respond?
The White House defended the ad as "educational" and "patriotic," according to Salon, and Newsweek reported it compared the ad to historical public service announcements on health and wartime topics.
What was in the ad?
According to The New Republic, the ad featured Trump audio about defeating "communism, Marxism, and socialism" alongside on-screen claims about tax cuts, manufacturing, and law enforcement.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- CBS NewsLeft-leaningPro-Trump "Love Me" ad campaign paid for by taxpayers sparks controversy
- SalonLeft-leaningPro-Trump “love me” ads paid for by taxpayers
- The AtlanticLeft-leaningTrump’s Public Service Announcement: ‘Love Me’
- The New RepublicLeft-leaningYou Just Paid for This Deranged “Love Me” Ad by Trump
- USA TodayLeft-leaningTrump uses public funds for 'Love me' ad that promotes himself
- NewsweekCenterWhite House Compares Trump ‘Love Me’ Ad to PSAs on Health, Wartime