'Profoundly corrupt': Trump sued over selling early access to Truth Social posts

A federal lawsuit alleges that selling early access to President Trump's Truth Social posts is unconstitutional and a clear example of corruption. The complaint, filed in the Southern District of New York, argues that the Trump administration violated the First Amendment by granting exclusive access to government information for those willing to pay his personal company.

The lawsuit, brought by the Freedom of the Press Foundation and The Intercept, contends that there is no legitimate reason for the president to profit from selling government information.

Truth Social's parent company introduced a new service, Truth API, offering early access to messages from the president and other officials for up to $100,000 per month. At least 10 customers have already signed up for the service. Meanwhile, the Trump Justice Department has argued in various lawsuits that the president's social media posts are official statements to the public.

The lawsuit also highlights that the president owns a 41% stake in Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social. The White House has declined to comment on the allegations, but a spokesperson confirmed that when President Trump posts on Truth Social, it is considered a direct statement from him. The lawsuit's attorneys argue that the president's attempt to monetize his public statements is a blatant violation of the Constitution and undermines the integrity of our democracy.