The marketing push for Donald Trump's presidential campaign has begun in earnest with the launch of a divisive TV ad scapegoating immigrants for the USA's woes.

Trump’s first ad will air in Iowa on Tuesday (5 January) as he looks to snatch a favourable result in the state’s caucuses. It will then follow in New Hampshire.

In the ad, the former Apprentice host puts forward his well-established rhetoric, promising to cut the head of Isis “and take their oil” in addition to banning Muslims from entering the United States.

On the 30 second slot, Trump said: “I am very proud of this ad. I don’t know if I need it, but I don’t want to take any chances.”

His pledge to force Mexico to build a border along the US to stem illegal immigration also made an appearance in the slot.

From his substantial social media platform Trump has catalysed a wealth of free exposure on TV as media outlets reported his radical views. Meanwhile his GOP rivals had to invest in paid media to combat the attention, if not popularity, of his views.