Donald Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, has introduced a new AI search feature named Truth Search AI, which predominantly directs users to conservative media sources. Launched in public testing for the web version, this feature will soon be available on iOS and Android. The tool is powered by the AI startup Perplexity, which aims to provide users with reliable information, although its current output raises questions about impartiality.
During initial tests, all cited links from Truth Search AI were from conservative outlets, predominantly Fox News and its associated publications, including Fox Business, The Washington Times, and The Federalist. For instance, a search on “Are Trump’s tariffs improving the economy?” returned five links exclusively from Fox Business, highlighting a significant bias toward Trump-supporting media. This contrasts sharply with the stated mission of Trump Media, which emphasizes a commitment to “end Big Tech’s assault on free speech.”
Despite the conservative lean, the AI’s responses did not always align with a favorable view of Trump. In one instance, Truth Search AI noted that “current evidence indicates that Trump’s tariffs have not improved the overall U.S. economy and are associated with a net negative effect, though some specific sectors benefit.” This nuanced perspective underscores the complexity of the economic impacts of Trump’s policies.
CEO Promises Future Enhancements
Devin Nunes, the CEO of Truth Social, expressed optimism regarding the new feature, stating that it will enhance the platform’s role within what he calls the “Patriot Economy.” Currently labeled as a beta release, Nunes assured users that the search function will undergo refinements based on feedback, with plans for a broader array of enhancements to the platform.
Reports from 404 Media indicated potential biases within the AI’s operations as well. In their tests, the AI dismissed inquiries regarding Trump’s alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking activities while acknowledging that Trump’s tariffs have generally had a negative impact on economic growth and employment in the United States. This selective acknowledgment of facts raises concerns about the comprehensiveness of the information provided by the AI.
Dmitry Shevelenko, chief business officer at Perplexity, emphasized the company’s excitement in deploying its AI to an audience with pressing questions, promoting the tool as a means to deliver “direct, reliable answers with transparent citations.” While the initial results may reflect a narrow sourcing pool, future updates could potentially enhance the diversity of viewpoints available through Truth Search AI.
As Truth Social continues to evolve, the effectiveness and fairness of its AI search feature will likely be scrutinized, particularly given the platform’s stated goals. The implications for users seeking balanced information remain to be seen as the platform integrates user feedback and expands its capabilities.
