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Democrats Seek Investigation of Taxpayer-Funded Pro-Trump TV Ads

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Coverage spectrum

Covered by 30 outlets, mostly left-leaning (63%).

109 articles in total, 17 of them opinion. The spectrum counts each outlet once and leaves opinion out. How we measure bias

The Trump administration has run a series of taxpayer-funded TV ads featuring President Trump ahead of the midterms, carrying a disclaimer that they were “Paid for by the U.S. Government.” The White House describes the spots as public service announcements rather than political ads, but the campaign has drawn bipartisan criticism, including from Senate Majority Leader John Thune. House Judiciary Committee Democrats Jamie Raskin and George Whitesides have asked the Government Accountability Office and the Office of Special Counsel to investigate whether the ads violate federal law. Separately, a new Quinnipiac poll shows Trump’s approval at 34 percent overall and 31 percent on the economy.

Headline and summary written by Mantle’s AI from the coverage below, under published rules. How this works

What happened

Key points

Each point shows who reports it, from Far Left to Far Right.

  1. The Trump administration has aired multiple taxpayer-funded TV ads featuring President Trump ahead of the midterms.

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  2. The ads carry an on-screen disclaimer stating they were 'Paid for by the U.S. Government.'

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  3. The White House describes the spots as public service announcements, not political advertisements.

    Reported byCenterRight

  4. Spending on at least one of the ads has reached roughly $443,000.

    Reported byRight

  5. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other Republicans have joined criticism of the ad campaign.

    Reported byRight

Show 2 more pointsShow fewer points

  1. Reps. Jamie Raskin and George Whitesides sent a letter asking the GAO and the Office of Special Counsel to investigate whether the ads violate federal law.

    Reported byLeft

  2. A new Quinnipiac poll shows Trump's approval at 34 percent overall and 31 percent on the economy.

    Reported byLeft

What is contested

Where accounts differ

Points the coverage does not agree on, and who says what.

  • The ads violate federal law.

    Slate states as fact that the ads violate at least two laws; the Daily Beast reports that Democratic lawmakers and critics allege violations and are seeking an investigation to determine whether laws were broken; the White House maintains the spots are public service announcements, not political ads, and have not been found illegal.

  • The ad campaign is causing Trump's approval rating to fall.

    The New Republic argues the ads are 'backfiring' and contributing to a new Quinnipiac poll showing 34 percent approval, while other outlets report the same poll figures without attributing them to the ad campaign.

How each side tells it

Compare views

  • the left

    19 outlets · 5 opinion

    Left-leaning outlets range from straight news reports on Democrats' calls for an investigation to opinion pieces that brand the ads propaganda and tie them to Trump's falling poll numbers.

    Customs and Border Protection leaders cut out of Trump's PSA ad buy
    NBC NewsLeftAll left-leaning headlines

  • the center

    7 outlets

    Center outlets describe the ads' expanding reach and bipartisan questions about their legality, often noting the White House's denial that the spots are political.

    House Democrats call for GAO to investigate government-funded Trump ads
    The HillCenterAll center headlines

  • the right

    4 outlets · 1 opinion

    Right-leaning outlets combine wire reporting on the ads' cost and reach with pieces highlighting Republican Sen. Thune's criticism and concern that the spots blur the line between a PSA and a campaign ad.

    Top Judiciary Democrat demands investigation into Trump taxpayer-funded ads
    Washington ExaminerRightAll right-leaning headlines

The words they chose

Language to notice

Words that carry a judgement beyond the facts. Tap a highlighted word anywhere on the page to see why.

  • Left103

    Critics sayShredsPropaganda Blitzglorifying

  • Center6

    so-calledbrazenly politicalcry foulblatant misuse of taxpayer dollars

  • Right9

    litany of concernsbipartisan alarmbucksfiercely defending

In the outlets’ own words

  • Vague attribution

    Critics sayMore neutral: Some lawmakers and legal experts say

    Attributes the claim that the ads could violate propaganda law to unnamed “critics” without identifying them.

    Critics say the ads could violate federal propaganda law.

    Used byABC News (Left)TheGrio (Left)The Guardian (Left)NBC News (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    ShredsMore neutral: criticizes

    Portrays Painter’s criticism as a decisive takedown rather than a neutral statement of opinion.

    'Impeachable Offense': Ex-Ethics Chief Shreds Trump's Ugly New 'Propaganda' Video

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)The Independent (Left)

  • Sensational language

    Propaganda BlitzMore neutral: ad campaign

    Combines a loaded political label with a dramatic military metaphor to characterize the ad campaign.

    Football Fans Savage Trump Over ‘Dystopian’ Propaganda Blitz

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)Vox (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    glorifyingMore neutral: promoting

    Presents the ads' purpose with a judgmental verb implying excessive or undeserved praise rather than a neutral description.

    …the apparent use of taxpayer money by the White House to fund a new ad campaign glorifying President Donald Trump.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)CBS News (Left)

Show 113 more phrasesShow fewer

  • Delegitimizing label

    Propaganda AdsMore neutral: Political Ads

    Labels the ads as propaganda in the outlet's own voice rather than attributing the characterization.

    Insiders Reveal Shock Truth About Trump’s Propaganda Ads

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)The New Republic (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    so-calledMore neutral: (omit)

    Sneer quotes in word form.

    …Mullin, two top Democratic senators said that the money is being drawn from Trump's so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill" and was supposed to go for U.S.

    Used byPBS NewsHour (Center)HuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    boasts aboutMore neutral: claims

    ‘Boasts’ implies self-congratulatory exaggeration rather than a neutral description of the ad’s claim.

    …screen, the 30-second spot says “America will never be a communist country” and boasts about the “largest tax cuts in history.” But there's something different near the end — a…

    Used byABC News (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    an ad glorifying President Donald TrumpMore neutral: an ad praising President Donald Trump

    "Glorifying" adds an editorial judgement about the ad's purpose.

    …White House is being accused of violating federal law after it aired an ad glorifying President Donald Trump, which it explicitly said was “paid for by the US government.” The ad…

    Used byTruthout (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Critics SlamMore neutral: Critics criticize

    "Slam" dramatizes criticism beyond what a neutral verb like "say" or "criticize" would convey.

    Critics Slam Trump Propaganda Ad Paid for by the US Government as Illegal

    Used byTruthout (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Trump Propaganda AdMore neutral: Trump ad

    Labeling the ad "propaganda" in the outlet's own voice states a contested characterization as fact.

    Critics Slam Trump Propaganda Ad Paid for by the US Government as Illegal

    Used byTruthout (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Trump's latest gambitMore neutral: Trump's latest move

    "Gambit" frames the action as a calculated maneuver rather than describing it neutrally.

    Trump’s latest gambit turns out to be both less inventive and similarly norm-breaking: a TV ad…

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    similarly norm-breakingMore neutral: which critics call a break with precedent

    States as fact that the ad breaks norms, a contested judgement.

    Trump’s latest gambit turns out to be both less inventive and similarly norm-breaking: a TV ad apparently paid for by U.S.

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    Is Feeling Scared About the MidtermsMore neutral: Faces Midterm Pressure

    Asserts the president's private emotional state as established fact.

    The Latest Sign Donald Trump Is Feeling Scared About the Midterms

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    appears to meet the dictionary definition of state propagandaMore neutral: is described by critics as state-funded political messaging

    Presents a contested characterization of the ad as an objective definitional match in the outlet's voice.

    The ad appears to meet the dictionary definition of state propaganda.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    ads glorifying the greatness of President Donald TrumpMore neutral: ads praising President Donald Trump

    "Glorifying the greatness" is an editorial characterization rather than a description of content.

    WASHINGTON — American taxpayers are funding campaign-style ads glorifying the greatness of President Donald Trump, while the White House defends them as “public service…

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    which Trump's ad is openly violatingMore neutral: which Eisen said Trump's ad violates

    States in the outlet's voice that a legal violation has occurred, which is disputed and unadjudicated.

    …“publicity or propaganda,” said former White House lawyer Norm Eisen, which Trump’s ad is openly violating.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    campaign-style adMore neutral: advertisement featuring the president

    Characterizes the ad's purpose as political campaigning, a contested characterization, rather than a neutral description like 'advertisement.'

    Taxpayers are funding a campaign-style ad for the president.

    Used byThe Atlantic (Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    propaganda ad blitzMore neutral: government-funded ad campaign

    Adopts a contested description of the ad rather than attributing it to critics.

    CBS News aired Donald Trump’s new propaganda ad blitz while the network’s boss dined with the president at a state dinner.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Partisan shorthand

    the MAGA productionMore neutral: the ad

    Applies a movement label to a government-funded spot instead of describing who paid for it.

    Toward the end of the MAGA production, a disclaimer appears stating that it was “paid for by the U.S.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Trumpy CBSMore neutral: CBS

    Labels the network as aligned with the president rather than stating the ownership facts reported later.

    Trumpy CBS Airs Propaganda as Boss Dines With President

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    Airs PropagandaMore neutral: Airs Government-Funded Trump Ad

    States as fact a contested characterization of the ad in the outlet's own voice.

    Trumpy CBS Airs Propaganda as Boss Dines With President

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    bizarre taxpayer-fundedMore neutral: taxpayer-funded

    "Bizarre" adds the writer's judgement of the ad to an otherwise factual description.

    …as a MAGA-aligned Republican strategist defended the Trump administration’s bizarre taxpayer-funded “Love Me” ad and urged the president to make 20 more.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    clashed withMore neutral: disagreed with

    Frames an on-air disagreement as a confrontation.

    Conservative strategist Tim Parrish clashed with Phillip on Thursday’s edition of CNN NewsNight over the controversial 30-second…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Floored byMore neutral: Challenges

    Dramatizes the host's reaction beyond what is described.

    CNN Host Floored by MAGA Guest’s Take on ‘Love Me’ Trump Ad

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    yet another hype videoMore neutral: another promotional video

    "Yet another" and "hype video" signal dismissal rather than describing the format neutrally.

    The president unveiled yet another hype video on Wednesday set to JMSN’s hit song “Love Me.” The ad goes full Red Scare,…

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    The ad goes full Red ScareMore neutral: The ad features anti-communist messaging

    Characterizes the ad's anti-communism message with a dramatic historical epithet rather than describing it.

    …yet another hype video on Wednesday set to JMSN’s hit song “Love Me.” The ad goes full Red Scare, playing audio from Trump in which he proclaims that “together we will…

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    DerangedMore neutral: new

    An evaluative adjective about the ad's content that goes beyond describing it.

    You Just Paid for This Deranged “Love Me” Ad by Trump

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    Violates the Hatch ActMore neutral: Complaint alleges Hatch Act violation

    Presents an allegation contained in a newly filed complaint as an established legal finding.

    Taxpayer-Funded Trump Ad Violates the Hatch Act

    Used byCommon Dreams (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    taxpayer-funded political advertisementMore neutral: taxpayer-funded advertisement

    Labels the spot as political, the contested question in the story, in the outlet's own voice.

    Since Wednesday, the federal government has been airing a taxpayer-funded political advertisement on channels like Fox News promoting the virtues of President Donald…

    Used byMother Jones (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    is melting downMore neutral: is responding to

    Characterizes the White House response as emotional collapse rather than describing what it said.

    The White House is melting down over people calling out its taxpayer-funded advertisement telling Americans to…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    ranting aboutMore neutral: speaking about

    Adds a judgement about the manner of the president's remarks.

    An ad airing on right-wing networks and CBS shows the president ranting about defeating communism, socialism, and Marxism before R&B artist JMSN’s song “Love…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Dehumanizing label

    Trump GoonsMore neutral: White House officials

    Reduces administration officials to a contemptible category.

    Trump Goons Launch Absurd Defense of Crackpot Propaganda Ad

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Absurd Defense of Crackpot Propaganda AdMore neutral: Defense of Government-Funded Ad

    Passes judgement on both the ad and the response in the outlet's own voice.

    Trump Goons Launch Absurd Defense of Crackpot Propaganda Ad

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    alleged achievementsMore neutral: cited achievements

    Calling the president's cited accomplishments "alleged" casts doubt on their legitimacy rather than describing them neutrally.

    government touting the alleged achievements of President Donald Trump.

    Used byLos Angeles Times (Left)

  • Sensational language

    Now Brought to You by the GovernmentMore neutral: Now Funded by the Government

    The ironic phrasing frames the situation with a sarcastic tone rather than neutral description.

    A Trump 2024 Campaign Ad Returns, Now Brought to You by the Government

    Used byThe New York Times (Left)

  • Sensational language

    doomsday adMore neutral: apocalyptic-themed ad

    Describes the ad with dramatic language that goes beyond a neutral description of its content.

    Trump’s new doomsday ad warns NFL fans of ‘final battle’ for America — at taxpayer expense

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    boosting TrumpMore neutral: featuring Trump

    Implies a promotional intent as established fact rather than describing the ad campaign neutrally.

    White House expands taxpayer-paid ad campaign boosting Trump

    Used byThe Washington Post (Left)

  • Sensational language

    eyebrow-raisingMore neutral: notable

    A subjective descriptor that frames the ad as inherently alarming rather than stating facts about it.

    …has raised the alarm on the president after his administration released a third eyebrow-raising taxpayer-funded advertisement.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    BonkersMore neutral: unusual

    An informal, judgmental adjective that characterizes the ad rather than describing it neutrally.

    Republican Sounds Alarm on Bonkers New Trump TV Spot

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    slammedMore neutral: criticized

    Characterizes Painter’s criticism with a dramatic verb instead of neutral reporting language.

    Former White House ethics attorney Richard Painter slammed President Donald Trump’s use of government funds to run political ads promoting…

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    UglyMore neutral: new

    Applies a subjective aesthetic and moral judgment to the ad rather than describing it factually.

    'Impeachable Offense': Ex-Ethics Chief Shreds Trump's Ugly New 'Propaganda' Video

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    hits out atMore neutral: criticizes

    Frames Massie's criticism as combative rather than neutrally describing his statement.

    Thomas Massie hits out at Trump over taxpayer-funded TV ads: ‘This is completely legal...

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Sensational language

    eruptedMore neutral: reacted

    Exaggerates the intensity of the online reaction rather than describing it factually.

    Sports fans have erupted after Donald Trump’s taxpayer-funded promotional blitz invaded NFL and college…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    bizarre commercialsMore neutral: commercials

    Passes judgment on the nature of the ads rather than describing them neutrally.

    …the country began furiously posting on social media after spotting a number of bizarre commercials promoting the 80-year-old president’s second-term agenda ahead of the Nov.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    SavageMore neutral: criticize

    Frames fan criticism as an aggressive attack rather than describing the reaction neutrally.

    Football Fans Savage Trump Over ‘Dystopian’ Propaganda Blitz

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    dear leaderMore neutral: Trump

    Sarcastically labels Trump with a term associated with authoritarian rulers, delegitimizing him rather than describing events.

    The “Morning Joe” host warned Republicans that what their dear leader is up to is actually “communism.”

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    raged at RepublicansMore neutral: criticized Republicans

    Describes the speaker's tone in a dramatic way that goes beyond a neutral description of criticism.

    Joe Scarborough raged at Republicans on Monday after President Donald Trump released highly partisan ads on the…

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    spews platitudesMore neutral: makes statements

    Uses a derogatory verb to characterize Trump's statements rather than neutrally describing them.

    …highlight Trump’s unkept promise of staying out of foreign conflicts while he spews platitudes about the deep state, socialism, globalists and fake news.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    deep stateMore neutral: career officials or the civil service

    Implies a coordinated conspiracy inside government without naming who or what.

    …promise of staying out of foreign conflicts while he spews platitudes about the deep state, socialism, globalists and fake news.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    globalistsMore neutral: supporter of international trade or internationalist

    Has a long history as an antisemitic dog whistle; specify the policy position instead.

    …out of foreign conflicts while he spews platitudes about the deep state, socialism, globalists and fake news.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    fake newsMore neutral: inaccurate report or say what is false and how you know

    Dismisses reporting wholesale; a false claim should be identified specifically.

    …conflicts while he spews platitudes about the deep state, socialism, globalists and fake news.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    ScoldsMore neutral: criticizes

    Casts the host's remarks as a scolding rather than neutral criticism, framing Republicans as being reprimanded.

    Joe Scarborough Scolds Republicans: 'Are You Going To Keep Quiet About This?'

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    litany of concernsMore neutral: concerns

    Amplifies the scale of criticism with a dramatic phrase rather than stating the concerns factually.

    The ads, which were paid for using public money, have sparked a litany of concerns from Democrats and some Republicans ahead of the midterms.

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Sensational language

    bipartisan alarmMore neutral: bipartisan concern

    Amplifies the reaction with a dramatic term rather than describing the criticism plainly.

    …with stylish images of President Trump and campaign-style rhetoric is sparking bipartisan alarm and calls for legislative fixes or punishment under campaign-finance laws.

    Used byThe Washington Times (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    rail againstMore neutral: criticize

    Characterizes experts’ criticism with an intense, judgmental verb instead of neutral language.

    Experts rail against ‘corrupt’ use of public dollars for ‘political propaganda’ ahead of midterm…

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Sensational language

    ignites outrageMore neutral: draws criticism

    Dramatizes the reaction rather than describing the criticism factually.

    Trump ignites outrage from political world by ‘stealing’ from taxpayers to fund ad campaign:…

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    glorifying President TrumpMore neutral: featuring President Trump

    The word 'glorifying' passes judgment on the ads' intent rather than describing their content neutrally.

    A new ad campaign glorifying President Trump began airing on national cable and national networks over the weekend,…

    Used byCBS News (Left)

  • Sensational language

    facing fierce criticismMore neutral: facing criticism

    The word 'fierce' adds dramatic intensity beyond a neutral description of criticism.

    President Donald Trump is facing fierce criticism over taxpayer-funded TV ads featuring wording from his campaign speeches that…

    Used byTruthout (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    bucksMore neutral: criticizes

    Frames Thune’s position as defiance rather than simply stating his criticism.

    Thune bucks Trump’s campaign-style ‘PSA’ ads for using taxpayer money

    Used byWashington Examiner (Right)

  • Absolutist framing

    They clearly violate the intent of the lawMore neutral: Critics argue they violate the intent of the law

    States a contested legal conclusion as an established fact.

    They clearly violate the intent of the law.

    Used byThe Atlantic (Left)

  • Sensational language

    propaganda adsMore neutral: government-funded ads

    Characterizes the ads with a loaded label rather than a neutral description.

    Welcome to The Logoff: Donald Trump is spending taxpayer money on propaganda ads.

    Used byVox (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    fiercely defendingMore neutral: defending

    Adds dramatic emphasis to the White House's defense beyond a neutral description.

    The White House has spent days fiercely defending three taxpayer-funded advertisements that glorify President Donald Trump and are…

    Used byThe Washington Times (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    glorify President Donald TrumpMore neutral: promote President Donald Trump

    Characterizes the ads' purpose in a judgmental way rather than describing their content neutrally.

    …spent days fiercely defending three taxpayer-funded advertisements that glorify President Donald Trump and are nearing at least $1.5 million in public spending, calling them…

    Used byThe Washington Times (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    drags onMore neutral: continues

    Frames the ongoing conflict with a negative, editorializing verb phrase rather than a neutral description of its duration.

    …administration for funding the ads while living costs rise and Trump’s war in Iran drags on.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    BizarreMore neutral: Unusual

    Characterizes the ad campaign with a subjective, dramatic adjective rather than a neutral description.

    John Thune Joins Republican Critics Of Bizarre New Ad Campaign

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    slamsMore neutral: criticizes

    A dramatic verb of criticism used in place of a neutral description like “criticizes.”

    John Kennedy slams Trump's taxpayer-funded ad

    Used byCBS News (Left)

  • Sensational language

    full-blown Republican revoltMore neutral: criticism from several Republican senators

    Exaggerates limited Senate criticism into a sweeping party uprising.

    …from inside his own party as his taxpayer-funded ad campaign sparks a full-blown Republican revolt.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    disaster loomingMore neutral: difficult midterms expected

    Presents a contested prediction about midterm outcomes as an impending certainty.

    With a GOP midterms disaster looming, the White House has rolled out three separate ads touting the president at…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    RevoltMore neutral: pushback

    Describes a handful of senators' criticism as a full-scale uprising, exaggerating the scope of the dissent.

    Trump Hit With Senate GOP Revolt Over Eyebrow-Raising TV Spots

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    brutally fact-checkedMore neutral: fact-checked

    Repeats the same dramatic framing of the exchange as unusually harsh rather than describing it neutrally.

    President Donald Trump has been brutally fact-checked by two of CNN’s biggest stars over his controversial taxpayer-funded ad…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    controversialMore neutral: taxpayer-funded ad campaign

    Labels the ad campaign's reception rather than stating a verifiable fact.

    …Trump has been brutally fact-checked by two of CNN’s biggest stars over his controversial taxpayer-funded ad campaign.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Brutally Fact-CheckMore neutral: Fact-Check

    “Brutally” adds dramatic judgment about the tone of the exchange rather than neutrally describing the fact-check.

    CNN Hosts Brutally Fact-Check Trump Over TV Ads

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    mocked her conservative colleagueMore neutral: sharply challenged her conservative colleague

    Describes the on-air exchange with a judgmental verb rather than a neutral description of disagreement.

    CNN host Kaitlan Collins has mocked her conservative colleague Scott Jennings to his face in a live TV segment.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Mocks Scott JenningsMore neutral: Pushes back on Scott Jennings

    "Mocks" characterizes the exchange as ridicule rather than neutrally describing a disagreement or rebuttal.

    Kaitlan Collins Mocks Scott Jennings to His Face on CNN Show

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    brazenly politicalMore neutral: overtly political

    Characterizes the ads' political nature with a judgmental intensifier rather than a neutral description.

    …warning the president not to use taxpayer money to promote himself in such a brazenly political way.

    Used byThe Hill (Center)

  • Vague attribution

    accused of amounting to propagandaMore neutral: criticized by some as excessive promotion

    Attributes a characterization to unnamed accusers without specifying who made the claim.

    …the taxpayer-funded ads pushed by the White House that have been accused of amounting to propaganda, according to a report.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    fawning adsMore neutral: ads praising Trump

    Describes the ads with a judgmental adjective rather than a neutral description of their content.

    The 80-year-old president oversaw the production of the fawning ads, including helping select the imagery and accompanying video used, a source told…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Shock TruthMore neutral: New Details

    The phrase manufactures drama around a factual report rather than describing its content.

    Insiders Reveal Shock Truth About Trump’s Propaganda Ads

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    bankrolledMore neutral: funded

    Implies illegitimate financial backing rather than neutrally describing the funding source.

    Scott Jennings defended the president’s partisan spots that were bankrolled by American taxpayers.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    HeelMore neutral: defender

    A wrestling term used to portray a commentator as a villain, prejudging his role rather than describing his position neutrally.

    CNN Heel On Trump Ads: ‘Warning Against Communism Sounds Like A Public Service To Me’

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    glorify his presidencyMore neutral: promote his presidency

    Presumes an intent to flatter rather than neutrally describing the ads' content.

    …Donald Trump handpicked images and video used in his taxpayer-funded ads that glorify his presidency, according to a report.

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    brazen and authoritarianMore neutral: unusual

    Characterizes the administration's motives and character rather than describing the ads themselves.

    But as brazen and authoritarian as the provenance of these ad spots are, they seem likely to backfire.

    Used byThe Nation (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    communist-besieged AmericaMore neutral: America facing communism, as depicted in the ads

    An exaggerated, editorializing description of the ad's narrative rather than a neutral summary.

    …of election-season spots casting President Donald Trump as the savior of a communist-besieged America and the defender of its libertarian birthright hit the airwaves recently,…

    Used byThe Nation (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    Illegal Election PropagandaMore neutral: Election Ads Facing Legal Questions

    Presents a contested legal question about the ads as an established fact rather than an allegation.

    Trump Is Using Your Taxpayer Money to Pay for Illegal Election Propaganda

    Used byThe Nation (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    cry foulMore neutral: object to

    An idiom that dramatizes lawmakers' objections rather than stating them plainly.

    Lawmakers cry foul over publicly funded Trump TV ads

    Used byRoll Call (Center)

  • Absolutist framing

    Illegal Taxpayer-Funded AdsMore neutral: Taxpayer-Funded Ads Alleged to Be Illegal

    States as settled fact that the ads are illegal, when this is a contested legal claim being litigated via complaints, not an adjudicated finding.

    New FCC and FTC Complaint Demands Broadcasters Cease Airing Trump’s Illegal Taxpayer-Funded Ads

    Used byCommon Dreams (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    gushing spotsMore neutral: the ads

    Describes the ads with a subjective, derisive adjective rather than a neutral description.

    …, which came as Democratic members of Congress have been demanding answers on the gushing spots.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Vague attribution

    critics warnedMore neutral: some lawmakers said

    Attributes a serious claim to unnamed 'critics' without specifying who.

    …ads promoting Trump ahead of the midterms were public service announcements, but critics warned the spots amount to propaganda and appear to violate federal law.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    controversial adsMore neutral: the ads

    Characterizes the ads as controversial without attributing that judgment to a specific source.

    The source of the funding for the controversial ads the White House has described as public service announcements was first reported…

    Used byNBC News (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    self-adulating adsMore neutral: ads promoting Trump

    Characterizes the ads with a judgmental label rather than describing their content neutrally.

    It turns out that President Trump took money for his self-adulating ads from the Department of Homeland Security.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    StoleMore neutral: Used

    Presents a contested legal and factual claim of theft as settled fact in the headline.

    Trump Stole Homeland Security Funds to Pay for His “Love Me” Ads

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    blatant misuse of taxpayer dollarsMore neutral: what critics call a misuse of taxpayer dollars

    Presents a contested characterization of the funding as an established fact rather than attributing it to critics.

    …have drawn widespread criticism from Republicans and Democrats as a blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars that likely runs afoul of anti-propaganda law.

    Used byPBS NewsHour (Center)

  • Loaded modifier

    poor Mahmoud KhalilMore neutral: Mahmoud Khalil

    The sarcastic modifier conveys dismissive judgment about the subject rather than a neutral description.

    And third, he’s still trying to deport poor Mahmoud Khalil, the Hamas sympathizer who this week published—in the words of The New York…

    Used byThe Free Press (Right)

  • Delegitimizing label

    Hamas sympathizerMore neutral: a man accused of supporting Hamas

    Labels a named individual with a loaded political-religious category rather than stating the specific factual allegation against him.

    And third, he’s still trying to deport poor Mahmoud Khalil, the Hamas sympathizer who this week published—in the words of The New York Times—his “shattering…

    Used byThe Free Press (Right)

  • Delegitimizing label

    government propagandaMore neutral: government-funded promotional ads

    Uses a loaded characterization of the ads rather than a neutral description.

    …White House advertisements promoting Donald Trump that critics say amounts to government propaganda and violate laws against using public money to promote partisan causes.

    Used byThe Guardian (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    blown apartMore neutral: criticized

    Presents a comedic critique as a definitive factual takedown rather than a characterization.

    The Daily Show ’s Jordan Klepper has blown apart the White House’s defense of using taxpayer money to pay for what is essentially a…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    fawning, partisan adsMore neutral: the ads

    Characterizes the ads with judgmental adjectives rather than describing their content neutrally.

    During Tuesday night’s episode, Klepper discussed the controversy over the fawning, partisan ads featuring the disclaimer “paid for by the U.S.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Huge HoleMore neutral: criticizes

    Exaggerates the significance of a comedian's commentary as if it were a decisive rebuttal.

    ‘Daily Show’ Finds Huge Hole in Trump’s Campaign Ad Defense

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    propagandaMore neutral: promotional ads

    Uses a loaded term to characterize the ads as fact rather than attributed opinion.

    Critics say the ads amount to propaganda and are likely illegal.

    Used byNBC News (Left)

  • Sensational language

    Controversy GrowsMore neutral: Scrutiny Continues

    Adds dramatic framing to the headline rather than stating the facts plainly.

    Controversy Grows Over Taxpayer-Funded Trump Ads

    Used byNBC News (Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    plainly indefensibleMore neutral: widely criticized

    Presents a contested value judgment about the ads as an established fact.

    …television ads that recently hit the airwaves, portraying them as plainly indefensible.

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    ripMore neutral: criticize

    Describes the senators' letter with a combative verb that adds drama beyond a neutral description of criticism.

    Senate Democrats rip DHS over diverted funding for campaign-style Trump ads

    Used byThe Hill (Center)

  • Loaded modifier

    diverted fundingMore neutral: funding used for

    Presents a contested characterization of the funding's use as settled fact.

    Senate Democrats rip DHS over diverted funding for campaign-style Trump ads

    Used byThe Hill (Center)

  • Absolutist framing

    patently illegalMore neutral: allegedly illegal

    Presents a disputed legal claim as an established fact.

    Elie Mystal While the president is unlikely to face any consequences for his patently illegal, taxpayer-funded ads, it’s essential to remember he should .

    Used byThe Nation (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    Commit CrimesMore neutral: Faces Legal Questions

    States a contested legal conclusion as settled fact rather than an allegation.

    PSA: Trump Continues To Commit Crimes

    Used byThe Nation (Far Left)

  • Vague attribution

    critics claims they are politicalMore neutral: Senate critics say they are political

    Attributes the claim to unnamed "critics" without specifying who is making the allegation.

    …himself by saying that he is not on the ballot in November, as critics claims they are political in nature and could violate federal law.

    Used byWashington Examiner (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    self-promoting taxpayer-funded adsMore neutral: taxpayer-funded ads featuring himself

    "Self-promoting" pre-judges Trump's motive rather than neutrally describing the ads as featuring him.

    Trump defends self-promoting taxpayer-funded ads

    Used byWashington Examiner (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    breaks silenceMore neutral: responds to criticism

    Implies Trump had been evasive or hiding something, rather than simply commenting publicly for the first time.

    Trump breaks silence on taxpayer-funded ‘campaign ads’ as even Republicans balk

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Sensational language

    even Republicans balkMore neutral: some Republicans criticize

    The word ‘even’ frames Republican criticism as unusually surprising, adding drama rather than stating the fact plainly.

    Trump breaks silence on taxpayer-funded ‘campaign ads’ as even Republicans balk

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    InsistsMore neutral: says

    ‘Insists’ suggests the claim is doubtful or contested rather than neutrally reporting what Trump said.

    Trump Defends Taxpayer-Funded Political Ads, Insists They're 'Promoting The Country'

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Vague attribution

    unpopular war against IranMore neutral: war against Iran

    Characterizes the conflict's popularity without citing polling or a source, presenting an unverified claim as fact.

    Taxpayer dollars are now funding an ad touting the Trump administration’s unpopular war against Iran.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    SplashesMore neutral: spends

    Portrays the spending as reckless or wasteful rather than neutrally describing that funds were used.

    Trump Splashes National Security Cash on Propaganda Ads

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    appallingly corruptMore neutral: potentially unlawful

    Asserts a sweeping moral and legal judgment about the ads that has not been adjudicated.

    It’s appallingly corrupt and potentially illegal.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    abysmal 34 percentMore neutral: 34 percent

    Editorializes about a poll number instead of reporting it neutrally.

    It finds his approval at an abysmal 34 percent, and at 31 percent on the economy, a record low for him.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Shockingly ToxicMore neutral: Poll Shows Low Approval for Trump

    Adds dramatic, judgmental framing to a poll finding rather than stating the result plainly.

    Trump TV Ads Backfire as New Poll Shows He’s Shockingly Toxic for GOP

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    These ads violate at least two laws.More neutral: Critics say the ads may violate at least two laws.

    States a contested legal claim as settled fact rather than attributing it to critics or an investigation.

    These ads violate at least two laws.

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    Attempt to CheatMore neutral: Attempt to Boost GOP Chances

    Presents a contested legal conclusion about the ads as an established fact of cheating.

    Trump’s Latest Attempt to Cheat in the Midterms Faces Little Blowback

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

Words quoted from someone else (11)Hide the quoted words

Loaded words that outlets reported someone else saying. They show what was said, not how the outlet chose to say it.

  • Delegitimizing label

    Quoted

    deep stateMore neutral: career officials or the civil service

    Implies a coordinated conspiracy inside government without naming who or what.

    Trump vowing to “expel warmongers” from the government and fight the “deep state,” even as he wages a war with Iran.

    Quoted byThe New York Times (Left)The Independent (Left)TIME (Left)Vox (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Delegitimizing label

    Quoted

    fake newsMore neutral: inaccurate report or say what is false and how you know

    Dismisses reporting wholesale; a false claim should be identified specifically.

    ‘We will rout the fake news media, and we will liberate America from these villains once and for all,’ Trump…

    Quoted byThe Independent (Left)The Hill (Center)Straight Arrow News (Center)Mother Jones (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Delegitimizing label

    Quoted

    globalistsMore neutral: supporter of international trade or internationalist

    Has a long history as an antisemitic dog whistle; specify the policy position instead.

    …down a hallway in black and white while his voice describes a fight against “globalists,” “warmongers” and the “fake news media.” The 2024 version ended by asking viewers…

    Quoted byStraight Arrow News (Center)TIME (Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    authoritarian, fascist governmentMore neutral: "undemocratic government," one critic said

    Highly charged political labels, though here quoted from a critic rather than used in the outlet's voice.

    The White House ad is an “unmistakable [sign] you live under an authoritarian, fascist government,” said one critic.

    Quoted byTruthout (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

Show 7 more quoted phrasesShow fewer

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    a shocking transgressionMore neutral: "a serious violation," he said

    Dramatic wording, though attributed here to the quoted lawyer.

    “This commercial is a shocking transgression of those legal provisions,” he said.

    Quoted byHuffPost (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    'Love Me'More neutral: self-promotional ad

    The quoted phrase is used to mock or dramatize the ad's content rather than describe it neutrally.

    Trump’s Public Service Announcement: ‘Love Me’

    Quoted byThe Atlantic (Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Delegitimizing label

    Quoted

    banana republicsMore neutral: authoritarian-style governments

    Compares the U.S. government to authoritarian regimes, a value-laden characterization presented in the headline.

    in banana republics’

    Quoted byThe Independent (Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    dumb, dumb, dumb beyond beliefMore neutral: ill-advised

    A highly charged characterization of the ads given prominent placement, even though attributed to a source.

    …dollars.” A former Trump campaign official told CNN that the ads were “dumb, dumb, dumb beyond belief.

    Quoted byThe Independent (Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Delegitimizing label

    Quoted

    'Propaganda' AdsMore neutral: Government-Funded Ads

    Uses a loaded term for government messaging, though it is presented as a quotation from the complaint.

    Broadcasters, Regulators Urged To Pull Trump’s 'Propaganda' Ads

    Quoted byHuffPost (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Dehumanizing label

    Quoted

    piece of shitMore neutral: [omit]

    A vulgar personal insult directed at the subject rather than a factual description.

    …made me glare at my TV long enough to mumble, “I’m not going anywhere, you piece of shit”—followed by a curious tagline: “Paid for by the U.S.

    Quoted byThe Nation (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Delegitimizing label

    Quoted

    This regimeMore neutral: this government

    ‘Regime’ delegitimizes Iran's government rather than using a neutral term, though the phrase is quoted from Trump's remarks in the ad.

    “This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United…

    Quoted byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

See the full language guide

See for yourself

Side by side

What each side leads with and what it leaves out. Open a side to read its headlines.

From the left

19 outlets · 5 opinion

Leads with

  • calls for legal investigation
  • characterizing the ads as propaganda or corrupt
  • new poll data on Trump's low approval

Leaves out

  • the White House's explanation that the ads are PSAs, not political ads
  • Sen. Thune's own Republican criticism of the ads

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 28 headlines from the leftHide the headlines

From the center

7 outlets

Leads with

  • bipartisan scrutiny of the ads
  • the distinction between a PSA and a campaign ad
  • specific ad content, such as the 'final battle' line

Leaves out

  • the Democratic lawmakers' formal request for a GAO/OSC investigation
  • the new poll showing Trump's approval numbers

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 9 headlines from the centerHide the headlines

From the right

4 outlets · 1 opinion

Leads with

  • the cost and expanding reach of the campaign
  • Thune's and other Republicans' criticism
  • the blurred line between PSA and campaign ad

Leaves out

  • the Democratic lawmakers' call for a legal investigation
  • the new poll numbers on Trump's approval

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 7 headlines from the rightHide the headlines

Articles you open from here build My Mix, a private picture of how your reading spreads across the spectrum, kept on this device. What is My Mix?

The left is Far Left and Left together. The right is Right and Far Right together. Every outlet keeps its own five-point rating.

Who reported it when

How the coverage built up

  • Left

    First to report

    ABC News, Sep 24, 12:07 PM EDT

  • Center

    3 days 5 hr later

    Its first report, Sep 27, 5:38 PM EDT

  • Right

    1 day 3 hr later

    Its first report, Sep 25, 3:40 PM EDT

See the order the outlets reported inHide the order
  1. ABC NewsLeftSep 24, 12:07 PM EDT
  2. TruthoutFar LeftSep 24, 12:53 PM EDT
  3. HuffPostFar LeftSep 24, 5:21 PM EDT
  4. The Daily BeastFar LeftSep 25, 6:18 AM EDT
  5. CBS NewsLeftSep 25, 9:52 AM EDT
  6. Common DreamsFar LeftSep 25, 3:09 PM EDT
  7. SalonFar LeftSep 25, 3:35 PM EDT
  8. The Washington TimesRightSep 25, 3:40 PM EDT
  9. Mother JonesFar LeftSep 25, 4:16 PM EDT
  10. The New York TimesLeftSep 27, 3:38 PM EDT
  11. The IndependentLeftSep 27, 5:35 PM EDT
  12. CNBCCenterSep 27, 5:38 PM EDT
  13. The Washington PostLeftSep 27, 6:36 PM EDT
  14. The HillCenterSep 27, 9:27 PM EDT
  15. NBC NewsLeftSep 27, 11:45 PM EDT
  16. NPRLeftSep 28, 4:42 AM EDT
  17. Straight Arrow NewsCenterSep 28, 6:39 AM EDT
  18. TIMELeftSep 28, 7:45 AM EDT
  19. Daily MailRightSep 28, 10:53 AM EDT
  20. PBS NewsHourCenterSep 28, 11:44 AM EDT
  21. ReasonRightSep 28, 3:30 PM EDT
  22. BloombergLeftSep 28, 3:34 PM EDT
  23. Washington ExaminerRightSep 28, 4:47 PM EDT
  24. BBC NewsCenterSep 28, 9:12 PM EDT
  25. Roll CallCenterSep 29, 12:03 PM EDT
  26. TheGrioLeftSep 29, 2:09 PM EDT
  27. The New RepublicFar LeftSep 29, 3:02 PM EDT
  28. FactCheck.orgCenterSep 29, 6:00 PM EDT
  29. The GuardianLeftSep 30, 6:00 AM EDT
  30. Al Jazeera EnglishLeftSep 30, 3:07 PM EDT

Times are the ones the outlets published in their own feeds, in Eastern time. Opinion is left out.

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