Two media organizations have sued President Donald Trump over Truth API, a paid service that gives paying customers access to his Truth Social posts before the public.
The lawsuit was filed by the news outlet The Intercept and the Freedom of the Press Foundation. According to DR, the plaintiffs argue that the arrangement is unconstitutional, because all citizens have a right to equal access to the president’s statements. DR notes that the case was reported by several outlets, including the BBC.
Truth API charges up to 100,000 dollars a month for early access to posts from 10 prominent Truth Social accounts, including Trump’s own, DR reports. Reuters has reported that Trump Media & Technology Group pitched that monthly fee for the fastest version of the feed. The service was launched in August.
The BBC describes Truth API as a paid data feed aimed at Wall Street firms and institutional investors. According to the BBC, subscribers receive access to posts from the highest-ranking Truth Social accounts within milliseconds. The broadcaster reports that critics see a risk of trading advantages in that speed difference.
AP reports that the service could generate about 7 million to 12 million dollars a year for Trump Media if it signs 10 customers. AP also confirms that the lawsuit was brought by The Intercept and the Freedom of the Press Foundation. As noted by AP, Trump’s posts have repeatedly moved financial markets.
Company calls the case censorship
Trump Media & Technology Group says the lawsuit was brought by left-wing activists attempting to censor the president, according to the BBC as cited by DR. In a company press release, interim chief executive Kevin McGurn said Truth API was expected to develop into a stable and significant revenue stream. Per the release, the service is intended to strengthen long-term shareholder value.
DR reports that Trump owns 41 percent of Trump Media & Technology Group. Increased revenue at the company therefore benefits him financially. Critics have called the new service market manipulation, a point also raised in coverage by AP and the BBC.
The constitutional argument is so far the plaintiffs’ claim and has not been tested in court. AP and the BBC both present the legal theory as an allegation rather than a ruling. No court decision has been reported.
Why the case is being filed now
Reuters reported that the paid service was set to begin operating on August 1. The lawsuit follows the rollout and the public criticism that accompanied the company’s announcement. According to Reuters, AP and the BBC, that criticism centered on paying customers seeing Trump’s posts before everyone else.
