The publication The Intercept and the organization Freedom of the Press Foundation have filed a lawsuit against the administration of US President Donald Trump. The reason was paid early access to the head of state's posts on the social network Truth Social.
Subscription from the President
In mid-July 2026, information appeared that Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the parent company of Truth Social, would launch the Truth API. The service is aimed at institutional clients.
Its essence is that brokers, asset managers, and other counterparties can purchase early access to Trump's posts and a number of other accounts for up to $1.2 million per year. This service became available on August 1, 2026.
At the same time, as stated by TMTG, about 10 clients have already subscribed, primarily companies engaged in high-frequency trading.
Such a Service Contradicts the Law
As stated by the team of The Intercept, an independent publication:
"The Truth API, which provides prioritized access to presidential posts, violates the rights of journalists and other members of the public to equal access to official information, guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution, and allows Trump to exchange his public statements for real money."
Furthermore, the plaintiffs claim that the service also violates the Fifth Amendment and effectively constitutes an act of extortion.
The publication is also concerned about the fact that TMTG directly points out certain advantages that Truth API subscribers will receive. According to the plaintiffs, the company plans to solve the issue of its dire financial situation in this way.
At the same time, the largest beneficiary is Trump himself. He owns a 52.1% stake in the company.
Based on these arguments, the plaintiffs demand:
- to declare illegal the practice of publishing official government information exclusively on Truth Social, where a paid API for access to this information operates;
- to prohibit the defendants and all those acting in concert with them from publishing official government information exclusively on Truth Social as long as a paid API for access to such information exists there;
- to award the plaintiffs reimbursement for reasonable court costs and attorneys' fees;
- to provide any other relief the court deems just.
Trump himself, at the time of writing this material, has not commented on the situation in any way.
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