This is not a Trump campaign ad.

It was paid for by the United States government.

A 30-second commercial airing on Fox News and Newsmax features President Trump, promotes “the largest tax cuts in history” and “law and order,” and declares:

“America will never be a communist country.”

It closes with UFC CEO Dana White calling Trump:

“the toughest, most resilient person I’ve ever met.”

The disclaimer reads:

“Paid for by the U.S. Government.”

According to AdImpact, the government spent about $14,000 airing the spot. Although it does not explicitly tell viewers how to vote, the commercial presents a Trump-centered ideological message using public funds. (AP News)

The White House calls it an educational, patriotic public service announcement and argues it is not political because Trump is not on the ballot. But whether the spending violates federal appropriations, ethics or election-related restrictions remains unresolved, and the agency that paid for the airtime has not been identified. (The White House; ABC News)

This wasn’t the Republican Party or Trump’s campaign buying airtime.

The United States government did.