Trump Media says it’s charging a premium for first-time access to social media sites | Donald Trump News

US Presidents are often accused of doing business with the government to obtain improper income.

United States President Donald Trump’s company is reportedly considering charging him $100,00 a month to start using its social media.

But that prospect has raised serious ethical concerns, with critics decrying the idea as an obstacle to government transparency — and a way for Trump to win the presidency.

The news agency Reuters reported on Friday that Trump Media and Technology Group, which owns the website Social TruthThey have discussed charging financial traders and companies higher fees for quick access to Trump documents.

A lower fee of $60,000 per month was also discussed for companies that sign up for a three-year plan. The British newspaper The Financial Times reported similar facts.

As the president of the world’s largest economy, Trump has the power to move markets with his words. Economists say that his comments on social media – related to new policies such as tariffs or international conflicts – could trigger changes in the global economy.

But pushback to the Social Truth fee proposal was swift. Trump has long been criticized for his use of power his office about personal gainand economists say any fines threaten the functioning of US democracy.

“He’s selling the opportunity for speed and the opportunity to know what he’s doing as president,” said Kathleen Clark, a nonprofit law expert at the Washington University School of Law.

He told The Associated Press, “It’s pure corruption, the misuse of public power to get rich.”

Trump has been a frequent user of social media during his time in office. During his first term, he was a fan of the website Twitter, which is now X.

But false claims about the 2020 presidential election — and the subsequent attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 — led several platforms to suspend his account.

Trump responded by investing in his own media company instead, and has a large stake in the Trump Media and Technology Group.

Truth Social is one of his signature products, and Trump will use the social network from 2021 to leave Twitter.

He often turns to Social Truth to announce everything from attacking Iran to changing trade policies.

During the US-Israel war against Iran, Trump’s posts on social media often led to significant changes in global energy markets, which were disrupted when Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to trade.

A televised statement from the president announcing a 90-day pause in new rates on April 9, 2025, has also seen interest rates rise sharply.

The Trump Media and Technology Group announced Thursday that it will offer a paid, licensed “Truth API” for banks and retail companies, giving them access to the site’s 10 most popular accounts, of which Trump is the most popular.

Democratic lawmakers were among those who opposed the announcement, with Senator Ron Wyden saying it would “make Wall Street traders richer” along with the Trump family.