India, Nov. 1 -- US District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon ruled on Friday that advertisements titled "$5,000 to Americans," "Every Democrat Voted Against No Tax on Tips," and "Cost of Socialism" must be taken down from government websites and social media while a lawsuit challenging the ads proceeds. The federal judge ruled that they likely served political or propaganda purposes rather than legitimate public information campaigns.

The ruling followed a legal challenge brought by a coalition that includes the nonpartisan watchdog Common Cause.

The judge also ordered the government to halt any planned distribution of the three advertisements through third parties, including MAGA Inc., President Donald Trump's flagship super PAC. The advertis...