Sandego.net – A national television campaign celebrating President Donald Trump has already generated at least $2.5 million in airtime costs, while a far larger pool of federal money has been set aside for the effort. The campaign has prompted criticism from Democratic lawmakers and government watchdogs, who argue that taxpayer funds may be supporting partisan political messaging.

Advertising-tracking firm AdImpact estimated that the three Trump-focused commercials aired 2,766 times from September 23 through September 29. Its estimate places the television airtime expense at no less than $2.5 million so far, though the campaign’s full cost remains difficult to calculate because the purchases were categorized as public service announcements rather than conventional political advertising.…