President Trump has been sued in Manhattan federal court over a Trump Media service that sells priority access to his Truth Social posts, which the suit says frequently move financial markets.
Key facts
- The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.
- It challenges a Trump Media service offering early access to Trump's Truth Social posts.
- Ars Technica reports the service costs $100,000 a month.
- The suit alleges the service violates the Constitution.
- Trump Media executives say more than 10 customers have signed up.
President Donald Trump is facing a federal lawsuit over a service from his media company that sells faster access to his Truth Social posts, according to reporting from CNBC, NPR, the BBC and Ars Technica. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.
The legal challenge centers on the fact that Trump’s posts on his own social media platform often move financial markets. The lawsuit notes this market-moving power, and Ars Technica characterized the arrangement as Trump “selling priority access to news he himself generates.”
According to Ars Technica, the service — described as “Truth API” — sells early access to Trump’s posts for $100,000 a month. The BBC described the plan as selling early access to Trump’s market-moving posts.
NPR reported that the federal lawsuit alleges the service from the president’s media company violates the Constitution. The outlet did not detail the specific constitutional provisions cited in the filing.
Meanwhile, Trump Media executives say they have already signed up more than 10 customers for the service, according to NPR. It was not immediately clear from the sources who the customers are.
The case brings together questions of politics, business and market fairness, given that the posts at issue come directly from the sitting president and can influence financial markets.
Why it matters
The lawsuit raises questions about whether a sitting president can profit from selling faster access to statements that move financial markets. If posts from the president can shift prices, the timing of who sees them first could affect who gains or loses money in the markets.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Truth Social early access service cost?
Ars Technica reports the service costs $100,000 a month for priority access to Trump's posts.
Where was the lawsuit filed?
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, according to CNBC.
What does the lawsuit allege?
According to NPR, the federal lawsuit alleges the service from the president's media company violates the Constitution.