Justice Department apologizes after Trump policy ads air despite court order

The Department of Justice has apologized after campaign-style advertisements featuring President Donald Trump's agenda aired in violation of a court order, the Washington Examiner and The Hill reported. A federal judge had previously ordered the Trump administration to halt the taxpayer-funded campaign. The dispute involves a television advertising campaign valued at more than $20 million that promotes the president's policies. [1][6]

According to the Washington Examiner, plaintiffs in the case stated that the advertisements continued to broadcast on multiple television programs on Sunday night. The broadcasts included appearances during 60 Minutes, ABC World News Tonight, and America's Funniest Home Videos. [1]

In a separate legal matter involving the Department of Justice, Fox News reported that United States District Judge Ana Reyes rebuked government lawyers during an emergency hearing on Monday. The hearing concerned the removal of trees at East Potomac Golf Links, a historic public facility located on national parkland in Hains Point, Washington, D.C. [2][3][4]

Fox News reported that 430 trees were cut down at the site, while Reuters noted that hundreds of trees were felled. Judge Reyes criticized government lawyers over a late Friday notification regarding the tree removals, stating during the proceeding that the lawyers had lost credibility. [2][3]