‘Profoundly corrupt’: Trump sued in federal court over selling early access to Truth Social posts
Trump Faces Lawsuit Over Truth Social Early Access Program
Tyunews.com – A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday characterizes the Trump administration's new Truth Social program as profoundly corrupt, alleging it violates the First Amendment by selling advance access to presidential posts before they reach the general public. The complaint, submitted in the Southern District of New York, argues that President Trump is financially benefiting from distributing government information to paying subscribers.
"This scheme is profoundly corrupt. The President stands to gain financially by giving market-moving government information to those who are willing and able to pay his personal company," the lawsuit states. The legal action was initiated by the Freedom of the Press Foundation and The Intercept, with representation from CREW, Yale Law School's Public Integrity Project, and Altshuler Berzon LLC.
First Amendment Concerns at Stake
The complaint emphasizes that the First Amendment ensures equal access to presidential announcements. According to the filing, even content-neutral restrictions on access must be narrowly tailored to serve significant government interests. The plaintiffs contend there is no legitimate interest in allowing the president to profit from selling government information through his private company.
Truth Social's parent company recently announced the Truth API service, which offers early access to messages from the president and other officials for up to $100,000 monthly. Reports indicate at least 10 customers have already signed on for the premium service.
This development comes as the Trump Justice Department has consistently maintained in separate court cases that the president's social media posts qualify as official presidential statements to the public. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced this position during a February 18 briefing, noting that Truth Social posts come directly from President Trump and represent transparent communication of administration policies.
According to a DOJ website addressing "Misuse of Position and Government Resources," government employees cannot utilize their official positions or information gained through them for personal benefit. Regulatory filings show President Trump holds a 41% stake in Trump Media & Technology Group, with ownership held in a trust managed by one of his sons.
Political and Legal Repercussions
The White House has not yet provided immediate comment on the lawsuit or its allegations that Trump is monetizing his official role. Brendan Ballou, CEO of the Public Integrity Project, described the president's efforts to monetize public statements as potentially the most blatant constitutional violation possible.
"The president's public statements are for the public, not a wealthy few. Our democracy depends on upholding the Constitution and enjoining Trump's corrupt scheme," Ballou stated.
Democratic lawmakers have joined the criticism. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission requesting an investigation into whether TMTG is violating securities laws. They characterized the situation as an "outrageous abuse of the President's office for his personal benefit that undermines everyday investors and the integrity of our markets."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Truth API service?
The Truth API is a premium service offered by Truth Social's parent company that provides early access to presidential and official messages on the platform. Subscribers can pay up to $100,000 per month for this advance access before posts become publicly available.
Who filed the lawsuit against Trump?
The lawsuit was filed by the Freedom of the Press Foundation and The Intercept, with legal teams from CREW, Yale Law School's Public Integrity Project, and Altshuler Berzon LLC representing the plaintiffs in the Southern District of New York.
What constitutional concerns does the lawsuit raise?
The complaint argues that selling early access to presidential posts violates the First Amendment's guarantee of equal access to public announcements. The plaintiffs contend there is no legitimate government interest in allowing the president to profit from distributing government information.
How much does Trump own in Truth Social's parent company?
According to regulatory filings, President Trump holds a 41% stake in Trump Media & Technology Group, with ownership held in a trust controlled by one of his sons.