How did a Maryland ad agency end up placing the government's 'paid for' TV spots?
Timeline for LMD Agency
Received the DHS media contract on 20 September
US Midterms 2026: Judge Rochon bars five DHS-funded TV adsBackground
LMD Agency is an advertising and marketing agency based in Columbia, Maryland, led by Holly Huntley. The Department of Homeland Security awarded it a $20m "National Media Campaign" contract in September 2026, and the five television ads it placed carry the line "paid for by the U.S. Government".
The Firm is a long-standing federal contractor. The Baltimore Banner counts $266.4m in federal contracts over the past decade, including Coast Guard advertising work, and clients such as the University of Maryland and Prince George's County. A DHS declaration reported by CBS News says the campaign money came from a $20m Office of Management and Budget grant to US Customs and Border Protection.
The contract matters because a federal judge barred the ads in October 2026 under the appropriations ban on publicity or propaganda. LMD did not respond to the Banner's requests for comment.
What is LMD Agency?
Who made the government-funded DHS television ads?
Where did the money for the DHS ad campaign come from?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 17 October 2026. Editorial standards.