Play store
US President Donald Trump has been sued by two media organisations seeking to block a new service that charges subscribers for advance access to posts by Trump and other prominent users of his Truth Social platform.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in federal court in Manhattan by The Intercept and the Freedom of the Press Foundation, challenges the constitutionality of the service, known as Truth API. The plaintiffs argue that it gives paying customers privileged access to potentially market-moving information that should be available to the public and the media on equal terms.
Truth API, launched by Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social, offers real-time, machine-readable access to posts from 10 prominent accounts, including Trump’s. Subscribers reportedly pay $100,000 a month, or $60,000 a month under a three-year commitment, for the service.
The plaintiffs contend that the arrangement effectively allows wealthy investors and trading firms to receive information from the President before it becomes broadly available, potentially giving them an advantage in financial markets.
The complaint argues that the arrangement violates the First Amendment by restricting journalists’ access to presidential announcements and the Fifth Amendment by imposing what the plaintiffs describe as an unconstitutional financial barrier to government information.
The lawsuit also seeks to prevent the White House from using Truth Social as an exclusive channel for official government communications while the paid early-access service remains in operation. The plaintiffs argue that government information should not effectively be sold to those able to pay for preferential access.
The dispute has raised concerns about the potential impact on financial markets because Trump frequently uses Truth Social to announce policy decisions and other developments that can influence investors. His posts have previously moved markets, particularly when he comments on trade, tariffs, foreign policy and military conflicts.
The issue gained particular attention amid the US-Israel war on Iran, when Trump’s statements on the conflict and the Strait of Hormuz contributed to market uncertainty and affected oil prices.
Trump’s financial interest in the service has also become a central issue in the case. Reuters reported that he holds a 41.3% stake in Trump Media, worth roughly $950 million based on recent market valuations.
The plaintiffs accuse the President of using his public office to benefit a private company in which he has a substantial financial interest.
“The scheme is profoundly corrupt,” the complaint states, arguing that Trump could personally benefit from giving paying customers early access to information released in his capacity as President.
The Freedom of the Press Foundation said the case raises fundamental questions about equal access to government information and the role of the press in holding public officials accountable.
Trump Media, meanwhile, has defended the service, describing it as comparable to other subscription-based data services and accusing critics of attempting to censor Trump and undermine the company’s shareholders.
The lawsuit names Trump in his official capacity, along with White House officials Daniel Scavino and Natalie Harp.
The case is being heard in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Its outcome could have broader implications for the growing use of privately owned social media platforms by public officials and the question of whether access to government communications can be commercialised.