Updated

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately halt taxpayer-funded TV ads featuring President Trump, which critics have called government propaganda designed to influence the midterm elections. Separately, the Justice Department announced it is investigating major TV networks over the White House press pool, examining whether broadcasters violated antitrust law (the Sherman Act) amid an escalating dispute over press access. The two actions reflect a broadening confrontation between the administration and media organizations over coverage and access ahead of the midterms, drawing scrutiny from courts and raising questions about government use of public funds and press freedom.