DHS Awarded $20 Million Contract to LMD Agency
The federal government initiated a national media campaign through the Maryland-based firm on September 19.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Immigration
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On September 19, the Department of Homeland Security awarded a $20 million contract to LMD Agency for a national media campaign. Television advertisements associated with the project began airing in late September.
Why it matters
The White House characterized the television advertisements as patriotic and educational efforts intended to promote national values. Meanwhile, Donald Trump announced his political action committee will not reimburse $10 million in public funds spent on the campaign.
LMD Agency secured $43.2 million in federal contracts for the fiscal year ending September 30, which included an $18 million project for the U.S. Coast Guard. Over the last decade, the firm has received $266.4 million in total federal funding.
The players
Department of Homeland Security
This federal executive department is responsible for public security and managing government-wide procurement for national outreach campaigns.
LMD Agency
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, this firm specializes in media and communications services for federal entities.
Donald Trump
As the President of the United States, he publicly addressed the use of public funds for the media campaign.
Holly Huntley
She serves as the leader of LMD Agency and manages the firm's portfolio of federal contracts.
The details
The contract was issued through established federal procurement processes to facilitate the nationwide broadcast campaign. Holly Huntley, who leads the Columbia, Maryland-based firm, oversaw the agency during the period it performed this work.
Timeline
Sept. 19, 2026: The Department of Homeland Security awarded the $20 million contract to LMD Agency.
Late September 2026: Television advertisements funded by the contract began running nationally.
Sept. 30, 2026: The federal fiscal year concluded.
Political Context
Critics of the expenditure argue that the use of federal resources for media campaigns blurs the line between public education and partisan messaging. Opposition parties often challenge such allocations, citing concerns over taxpayer-funded communications during election cycles.
While the contract was paid for with public funds, there is no direct impact on individual tax brackets or local municipal funding. Citizens are primary viewers of these advertisements and may encounter the messaging during their regular television consumption.
The takeaway
The use of public funds for large-scale media campaigns remains a point of contention in federal budgeting. Readers should note that agency contracts are part of a broader, decade-long history of government spending on private communications firms.
Further reading
Learn more about federal agency operations in the Immigration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baltimore Banner.
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