Trump-Backed Truth Social Introduces Truth Search AI
Truth Social, the social media platform backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, has unveiled an AI-powered search engine called Truth Search AI. The beta version is already live and represents the platform’s latest move to compete with Big Tech giants, particularly Google.
The initiative also reflects a growing trend among social media platforms adopting artificial intelligence technologies to enhance user engagement and expand functionality.
Strategic Partnership with AI Startup Perplexity
The Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), which oversees Truth Social, has partnered with San Francisco-based AI startup Perplexity to power the new search engine. Unlike conventional search tools, Perplexity’s platform is billed as an “answer engine,” providing direct responses instead of traditional link-based results.
According to the companies, the integration of Perplexity’s technology is designed to enrich the Truth Social experience and expand access to information for its user base.
Expansion Plans Underway
Currently, Truth Search AI is only available through the web version of Truth Social. However, there are plans to expand access through iOS and Android apps in the near future.
The timing of the launch has drawn political scrutiny, with observers noting that the sources cited by the tool may influence the political leanings of the responses provided.
Concerns Over Media Bias
Initial testing of Truth Search AI has raised concerns over potential bias. According to The National, a UAE state-owned publication, the tool frequently cites conservative news outlets such as Fox News and the Epoch Times.
Despite these observations, independent tests conducted by 404Media suggest that the tool is not entirely one-sided. When asked about topics such as the U.S. economy and tariffs during the Trump administration, the AI reportedly returned responses that were critical of those policies, citing economic slowdowns and negative trade impacts.
Source Management Through Sonar API
A spokesperson from Perplexity confirmed that Truth Social is using its Sonar API, a developer platform that allows clients to customize source preferences. The API enables full control over which sources are prioritized or restricted when generating answers.
While the financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, Perplexity emphasized that Truth Social controls how the tool is configured and presented to its users. The Sonar API, launched earlier this year, is designed specifically for clients seeking to tailor the content curation process.
AI Use Amid Legal and Ethical Scrutiny
The collaboration comes as AI continues to play a growing role in shaping U.S. policy and digital infrastructure. President Trump has publicly prioritized AI advancement, framing it as essential to maintaining American technological leadership.
However, Perplexity is not without controversy. The startup has faced accusations of replicating or republishing proprietary content without permission from major outlets, including BBC, Forbes, and Dow Jones. The company has denied these allegations, claiming the criticism stems from a misunderstanding of how its AI models function.
