First Thing: Trump endures protests in Texas as DNC sues over adverts

The Democratic National Committee and the watchdog group Common Cause have filed separate lawsuits against President Donald Trump. The lawsuits allege that Trump misused $20 million in taxpayer funds, originally allocated for border security, to air political propaganda ads. Critics argue these ads violate prohibitions on using public money for political purposes and are designed to boost Republican candidates in upcoming midterm elections. The ads, which have cost over $12 million to date, feature messages such as a "golden age of America" and a "final battle" against perceived enemies. Both lawsuits seek to declare the ads illegal, halt expenditures, and recover spent funds, with cases filed in Washington, DC, and the Southern District of New York respectively.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington D.C. to halt the Trump administration from using taxpayer funds for self-promoting advertisements. The DNC argues these ads, which have cost over $12 million, constitute illegal government-sponsored propaganda. The suit alleges that President Trump personally directed this activity, with the White House crafting the partisan campaign and the Office of Management and Budget shifting funds to pay for it, carried out by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The DNC contends these actions violate federal law, including prohibitions on using appropriated money for publicity or propaganda and for self-aggrandizement. The lawsuit follows a White House statement that Trump's Super PAC would not reimburse taxpayers for the ads already aired.