Having been kicked off Twitter, Donald Trump is making good on his promise to launch his own social media platform. The new venture is TRUTH Social and it is the former US president’s attempt to “fight back against Big Tech”.
TRUTH Social comes from the newly created Trump Media and Technology Group and Digital World Acquisition Group, and Trump says that it will operate as “a rival to the liberal media consortium”, adding, “I am excited to send out my first TRUTH on TRUTH Social very soon”. From what we can see of it at the moment, it looks very much like a Twitter-clone.
In a press release announcing the social venture, Trump says: “We live in a world where the Taliban has a huge presence on Twitter, yet your favorite American President has been silenced”. The platform is due to launch in November, but it is possible to pre-register for the iOS app right now; it does not appear that there is an Android version in the works.
The sign-up page for TRUTH Social urges people to “Follow the truth”, going on to say: “TRUTH Social is America’s “Big Tent” social media platform that encourages an open, free, and honest global conversation without discriminating against political ideology”.
If you’re wondering what the Big Tent approach is, the description for the iOS app helpfully explains:
Big Tent is a new way to describe “inclusivity” in America. Think of a giant outdoor event tent at your best friend’s wedding. Who’s there? The combination of multiple families from all over the United States, and the world. Uncle Jim from Atlanta is a proud libertarian. Aunt Kellie from Texas is a staunch conservative. Your cousin John from California is a die-hard liberal. And guess what? They’re all together to have an amazing time and share their viewpoints of the world. Although we don’t always agree with each other, we welcome these varied opinions and welcome the conversation.
The description preaches to the converted, saying:
Let your voice be heard. Sign up, join the conversation, and share your unique opinion by posting a TRUTH, Re-TRUTH, photo, news story, or video link to communicate with your friends, customers, and the world. Stay informed about breaking news while staying directly connected with the people who influence you – don’t be shocked if they take your TRUTH viral!
While we know that the platform is set to launch in November as a beta, only invited guests will be able to use it to start with. It’s not clear when a wider launch is planned for.