Pay $100,000 a Month to See 'Trump Posts' One Millisecond Earlier... Truth Social Launches Paid Service

Truth Social Launches Paid Service

Criticism Mounts Over 'Abuse of Power'

U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a paid subscription service for his own social networking service, Truth Social. This service allows subscribers, who pay up to $100,000 per month (approximately 140 million won), to view Truth Social posts one millisecond earlier than others. This has sparked criticism that a sitting president is using his official position for personal gain.

Controversy Erupts Over Truth Social's Paid Subscription Service

U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by AFP News Agency

On August 2 (local time), British daily newspapers The Guardian and The Telegraph reported that Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), which operates Truth Social, has launched a paid subscription service for President Trump's posts.

While Trump Media Group did not specifically mention President Trump in its product launch announcement, his account is the most popular on Truth Social. He is also the largest shareholder of Trump Media Group, holding a 41% stake.

With about 13 million followers, President Trump has previously released significant information on tariffs, trade policy, and diplomatic issues—matters that can influence the market—on Truth Social before these were officially announced by the White House. He also made a first announcement regarding the Iran war, which could affect international oil prices, through Truth Social.

However, there are concerns that a president disclosing market-moving information first through his social network, and giving priority access to paying subscribers, poses a conflict of interest.

Some Call for Investigation Into Potential Illegality

U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by AFP News Agency

Some critics warn that the service may lead to controversy over market manipulation or insider trading. Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren have previously called on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate whether the service is illegal, emphasizing that the president’s abuse of authority for personal benefit could undermine market integrity.

Meanwhile, Trump Media expects the new paid subscription service to become an important revenue stream. This expectation is reportedly already reflected in the share price. Although Trump Media’s stock price has fallen more than 70% since President Trump took office last year, Forbes reported that on the day before the launch of the paid service, August 1, the closing price rose 5.5% to $10.39 per share just before the market closed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.