By
Godfrey Benjamin
April 18th, 2024
With the app, users will be able to follow others and stay updated on trending topics, similar to Twitter. The messages will be equivalent to tweets, but they will be dubbed “truth”.
The former US President Donald Trump is marking the US Presidents Day holiday this year by launching his own Truth Social media app. According to those familiar with the matter, those who pre-ordered the app can get access to it from Apple‘s App Store starting at midnight. Android version will be available as well, but later.
Time for some Truth!!! pic.twitter.com/jvyteDb5gW
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 15, 2022
With the app, users will be able to follow others and stay updated on trending topics, similar to Twitter. The messages will be equivalent to tweets, but they will be dubbed “truth”. Speaking of the app’s policy, it is not yet clear. However, as per Trump, the Truth Social app will have no ads.
The company behind the Truth Social app is Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), social media and technology company founded by Donald Trump in February 2021. Led by Republican US representative Devin Nunes, TMTG aims to even the playing field by providing people with open media platforms where they can share and create content without fear of reputational ruin.
About 500 beta testers have started using an early version of the platform before its launch. According to Nunes, they have ambitious plans for the app’s expansion and competing with similar platforms.
Nunes said:
“Our goal is, I think we’re going to hit it, I think by the end of March we’re going to be fully operational at least within the United States.”
Among those who have already pre-ordered access to the app is Fox News’ host Sean Hannity, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, singer Travis Tritt, and more.
Trump to Get Back on Social Media with the Truth App
Notably, the launch will restore Trump’s presence on social media. It’s been more than a year after he was banned from Twitter Inc (NYSE: TWTR), Meta Platforms Inc (NYSE: FB), and Alphabet Inc‘s (NYSE: GOOGL) YouTube following the attack on the US Capitol by his supporters on January 6, 2021. At that time, Trump was accused of posting messages inciting violence.
Devin Nunes commented:
“We’re doing something that is really…just such a great opportunity for President Trump, for me, for our whole team that’s working at TMTG around the clock, especially as you see the excitement of people who have been booted from social media for the last two or three years. I mean, there’s excitement on our platform right now and people, it’s inspirational.”
Apart from getting back to social media, Trump has plans to list TMTG in New York through a merger with blank-check firm Digital World Acquisition Corp (NYSE: DWAC). For that, the company is to receive $293 million in cash that Digital World Acquisition holds in a trust. Besides, after the deal with DWAC, TMTG will be able to use the $1 billion it raised from private investors in December 2021.