Democrats sue to stop Trump from using taxpayer funds for self-promoting ads

What happened: The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration in federal court in Washington DC, seeking to stop the use of taxpayer funds for ads promoting Donald Trump, calling them illegal government-sponsored propaganda. Key numbers: Ads have cost taxpayers more than $12m so far, per AdImpact. Why it matters: The suit alleges the ads violate federal law banning appropriated money for publicity or propaganda and the Administrative Procedure Act. The White House said Trump's political action committee would not reimburse taxpayers for money already spent.

The Democratic National Committee sued the Trump administration in federal court in Washington DC, seeking to stop the use of taxpayer funds for ads promoting Donald Trump, calling them illegal government-sponsored propaganda.

The suit alleges the ads violate federal law banning appropriated money for publicity or propaganda and the Administrative Procedure Act. The White House said Trump's political action committee would not reimburse taxpayers for money already spent.