Truth Social
 | |
| Developer(s) | Trump Media & Technology Group |
|---|---|
| Initial release | February 21, 2022 |
| Platform | iOS, Android, Web |
| Type | Social networking service |
| Website | truthsocial.com |
Truth Social is a social media platform created by the Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), a company founded by U.S. President Donald Trump. The platform launched on February 21, 2022, initially for iOS users in the United States. Truth Social was marketed as a free-speech alternative to mainstream social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook.
History
[change | change source]Truth Social was announced in October 2021 by Trump Media & Technology Group. The platform aimed to provide a space for users who felt their voices were being suppressed on mainstream platforms, particularly in the wake of Donald Trump's bans from major social media sites following the 2021 United States Capitol attack.
The app launched on the Apple App Store on February 21, 2022, coinciding with Presidents' Day in the United States. An Android version was later released on October 12, 2022, via the Google Play Store, after initially being available only through direct downloads and alternative app stores.
TMTG merged with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC), to go public. The merger and its financial implications have drawn significant scrutiny from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulatory bodies.
Features
[change | change source]Truth Social functions similarly to other microblogging platforms. Users can post "Truths" (analogous to tweets), "ReTruth" others’ posts (similar to retweeting), and engage with multimedia content. The interface closely resembles Twitter's layout, with timelines, user profiles, hashtags, and trending topics.
While it emphasizes free speech, Truth Social enforces its own content moderation policies, prohibiting illegal content, threats, and certain types of misinformation.
Reception
[change | change source]Truth Social has received mixed reviews. Supporters of Donald Trump and conservative users have praised the app as a necessary alternative to platforms they consider biased against them. Critics, however, have questioned the app's moderation policies and its echo chamber-like environment.
Early technical issues, including waitlists and glitches, were widely reported. The platform's user base and engagement levels have fluctuated, and its reach remains limited compared to mainstream networks.
Legal and Financial Issues
[change | change source]TMTG and the SPAC merger faced legal and regulatory scrutiny, delaying the completion of the public offering for over two years. In March 2024, TMTG finally became publicly traded under the ticker symbol "DJT". However, the company reported substantial losses and limited revenue from Truth Social.
See also
[change | change source]References
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