Trump’s app launches on Apple store — one year after Twitter ban

Truth Social, a social media app owned by Donald Trump, the former US president, has launched on Apple’s app store.

In the wake of January 6, 2021, Capitol Hill riots at the dusk of Trump’s tenure as president, he was prohibited from using his Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages after he was said to have violated the policy of the apps.

Other social media platform owners like Parler, YouTube, Snapchat, and Twitch had also faced pressure to restrict Trump’s usage of their apps.

This was due to widespread claims that he might have incited violence in the US following his election loss to Joe Biden, the incumbent president.

Five persons were said to have died after some of Trump’s supporters violently stormed the Capitol during the certification ceremony for Biden’s presidential election victory.

In response to this, Trump had announced the imminent launch of Truth Social, his free speech social media app.

Truth Social became available on Apple store on Monday morning.

It was automatically downloaded to Apple Inc (AAPL.O) devices belonging to users who had pre-ordered the app.

Truth Social describes itself as a “big tent” social media platform “that encourages an open, free, and honest global conversation without discriminating against political ideology”.

According to Reuters, some users reported either having trouble registering for an account or were added to a waitlist with a message: “Due to massive demand, we have placed you on our waitlist.”

It is understood that the app has been available for people invited to use it during its test phase.

Donald Jr, Trump’s eldest son, tweeted a screenshot of his father’s first post on Truth Social, which said: “Get ready! Your favorite President will see you soon!”

Time for some Truth!!! pic.twitter.com/jvyteDb5gW

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 15, 2022

With this, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the venture behind Truth Social, joins a growing portfolio of tech firms championing free speech and drawing users who feel their views are suppressed on other platforms.