Donald Trump Social Media App ‘Truth’ Set to Launch Monday in Apple App Store

Potentially marking the return of Donald Trump to social media, the former president's new social media venture, Truth Social, is expected set to launch in Apple's App Store on the U.S. Presidents Day holiday Monday, Reuters reported.

A verified account for the network's chief product officer, Billy B., responded to questions about the app from users invited to use it during its test period in a series of posts late Friday. According to screenshots viewed by Reuters, one user asked when the application, which had been accessible for beta testers this week, would be released to the general public. The executive confirmed that they are currently scheduled for release in the Apple App Store on Monday, February 21.

The launch would restore Trump's presence on social media more than a year after he was banned from Twitter, Facebook, and Alphabet's YouTube following January 6, 2021. Supporters of the late president attacked the U.S. Capitol after Trump was accused of posting remarks inciting violence, per CNBC.

Last February 15, Trump's eldest son Donald Jr. posted on Twitter a screenshot of his father's verified @realDonaldTrump Truth Social account with one post, or "truth," which captioned "Get Ready! Your favorite President will see you soon!"

U.S. Representative Devin Nunes Leads Trump Media & Technology Group

Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the venture behind Truth Social, is led by former Republican U.S. Representative Devin Nunes.

"Truth" will join a growing list of tech companies marketing themselves as advocates of free speech in the hopes of attracting users who believe their views are being suppressed on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

So far, none of the companies, including video site Rumble and Twitter competitors Gettr and Parler, have come close to matching the mainstream counterparts' popularity.

Nunes appeared on "Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo" of Fox News, where he revealed that it is "going to be awesome" because of "so many more people that are going to be on the platform."

By the end of March, the app is believed to be completely operating, at least within the United States, Nunes continued.

According to Reuters, the software is now at version 1.0, indicating it has achieved a level ready for public release, and just as recently as Wednesday, it was at version 0.9.

In an apparent attempt to increase activity on the app, Nunes on Friday urged users to follow more accounts, engage in conversations, and share photos and videos. Nunes also welcomed a new member who seemed to be a Catholic priest and encouraged him to invite more priests to participate, said Reuters.

'Truth' Features Would Resemble Twitter, Chief Product Officer Suggests

During Friday's question-and-answer session, the chief product officer suggested that the startup's features will be similar to those of Twitter.

When asked if users would be able to edit their "truths," the executive responded, "not yet." Twitter users have long sought the option to edit posts after they have been published.

An upcoming major feature to be released on the application will be direct messages between users.

The platform also considers allowing users to sign up in order to push notifications when others post content, the executive said. He hinted that the ability to block other users would be a key feature.

Truth Social will release a policy on verified accounts "in the coming weeks," the chief product officer added.

Even when more information about the app becomes available, TMTG remains shrouded in secrecy and is viewed with skepticism by those in the IT and media circles, according to reports.

In a press statement issued October 21, TMTG plans to list in New York through a merge with blank-check firm Digital World Acquisition Corp. and stands to gain $293 million in cash held in a trust, assuming no DWAC shareholder redeems their shares.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Donald Trump’s social media app ‘truth social’ available online, users begin posting - from WION