Trump's Truth Social Spree Targets TikTok, Politics, Melania
President Donald Trump indulged in a midnight Truth Social spree shortly after returning from Davos, Switzerland, where he railed against familiar political foes and promoted the first lady’s upcoming documentary.
Midnight Posting Marathon
Trump shared a flurry of more than 70 posts and reposts from midnight to 1 a.m. ET having arrived back in Washington, D.C. after traveling some 4,200 miles from the World Economic Forum. Truth Social is often the first port of call for the president to share major policy news that impacts Americans, although only 3 percent use the platform, according to a Pew Research Center study.
Political Targets and False Claims
In between launching attacks at longtime targets, including Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar, former President Joe Biden, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and former presidential Democratic opponent Kamala Harris, Trump took the time to promote the trailer for MELANIA, the $40 million Amazon documentary centered on his wife.
In the early hours of Friday, the president repeated false claims about 2020 election fraud and also took credit for “saving TikTok” after a deal was reached Thursday to allow the Chinese-owned social media giant to operate in the U.S.
TikTok and Melania Promotion
“I only hope that long into the future I will be remembered by those who use and love TikTok,” the president wrote. Other posts shared by the president were clips from pro-Trump news channels including Fox, NewsMax, and Breitbart. He also shared an article from news site The Hill titled, The Trump Obsession.
Post-Travel Activity
After a few hours of online silence, the president was posting again at 7 a.m. ET. House Speaker Mike Johnson told The Independent that the president, 79, “sleeps about three hours a night” when questioned about Trump’s posting habits.
Truth Social's Role
Truth Social, launched in 2021 as an alternative to mainstream social media platforms, has become a key outlet for Trump to communicate directly with his supporters. Despite its low user base, the platform has been instrumental in disseminating Trump’s political messaging and attacks on opponents.
Public Reaction
The president’s midnight spree on Truth Social has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his direct engagement and others criticizing the spread of misinformation. The promotion of the Melania documentary has also sparked interest, with many eager to see the first lady’s portrayal in the $40 million production.
Future Implications
As Trump continues to use Truth Social as a primary communication tool, the platform’s influence on political discourse is likely to grow. The deal to allow TikTok to operate in the U.S. has also drawn attention, with Trump claiming credit for the agreement despite previous calls for its ban.
Conclusion
Trump’s Truth Social spree highlights his ongoing efforts to shape political narratives and engage with his base. As he continues to leverage the platform, the impact on U.S. politics and social media dynamics remains a topic of significant interest and debate.
