Summary
TV ads highlighting the dangers of fentanyl, supported by former President Trump, are airing in several U.S. cities. These ads are part of a multimillion-dollar effort to tackle the fentanyl crisis in areas severely affected by drug addiction. The campaign aims to create a strong impact by using graphic portrayals of the effects of fentanyl.
Key Facts
- The ads target cities like West Virginia, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., which are heavily impacted by the fentanyl epidemic.
- Former President Trump wanted the ads to be intense to catch the audience's attention.
- One ad shows a fentanyl user describing health deterioration, and another depicts a young woman's last moments after using fentanyl-laced marijuana.
- The ads invite viewers to join the fight against the fentanyl crisis, associating the effort with Trump.
- The campaign, "Make America Fentanyl Free," has spent over $2.6 million on national and local TV ads.
- Trump approved the ad strategy after considering more impactful approaches than regular public service announcements (PSAs).
- Inspiration for the campaign came from anti-drug efforts by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
- The funds for the ads come from anonymous donors, often referred to as "dark money," which means the donors' identities are not publicly disclosed.
