Two Media Groups Sue Trump Over "Truth Social" Post Fees

Two American media groups have filed a lawsuit against former US President Donald Trump in New York. The lawsuit challenges his measure to charge fees for early access to his posts on the "Truth Social" platform, which often influence financial market movements. "The Intercept" and "Freedom of the Press Foundation" describe the measure as "corrupt and unconstitutional." According to the lawsuit, early access to the service could cost up to $100,000 per month, or $60,000 per month for a three-year subscription. The legal brief states, "This system is profoundly corrupt... as it allows the President to profit by providing market-moving information to those willing and able to pay his private company." "The Intercept," a non-profit American media organization, and "Freedom of the Press Foundation," which manages a database tracking "Truth Social" posts, argue that the paid service undermines their ability to adequately cover Trump's activities. The lawsuit demands that the court declare the "Truth API" service illegal and prohibit any future posts through it, asserting that "Timely access to the President's posts is critical for both organizations." Several Democratic representatives have called for an investigation supervised by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which regulates American markets. "Trump Media & Technology Group" has rejected concerns related to the new service, known as "Truth API," which was first announced in mid-July. Kevin McGovern, the interim CEO of "Trump Media & Technology Group," announced that the service has already begun generating revenue after signing 10 agreements with clients, whose identities were not disclosed.