Truth Social Launches AI Search Powered by Perplexity, With Custom Source Controls
Truth Social Introduces AI Search Engine Using Perplexity Technology
Truth Social, the social media platform founded by former President Donald Trump, has launched an AI-powered search engine dubbed Truth Search AI. This new feature is powered by Perplexity, a rapidly growing AI startup, and is now available on the web version of Truth Social. Beta testing for iOS and Android apps is expected soon.
How Truth Search AI Works
Perplexity’s technology enables Truth Search AI to deliver direct and contextually accurate answers, complete with transparent citations. According to Trump Media, this will help users access a much broader range of information. However, the platform retains full control over which sources the AI references, allowing Truth Social to tailor the search experience for its community.
- API Integration: Truth Social uses the Perplexity Sonar API, which can fetch current and verified information from across the web.
- Source Filtering: The platform can limit which websites and media outlets the AI considers, meaning search results may reflect editorial preferences set by Truth Social.
- Custom Output: Users can define how the search engine formats responses, thanks to Perplexity’s support for structured output.
Transparency and Source Choices
While Perplexity provides the underlying AI, the company has no influence over which sources are included or excluded. As Perplexity spokesperson Jesse Dwyer explained, "We have no visibility or control over that." This means the accuracy and diversity of search results will depend on Truth Social’s selected sources.
Early tests show that Truth Search AI often cites sources like FoxNews.com, FoxBusiness.com, The Washington Times, or Epoch Times, while Perplexity’s public search engine draws from a wider set including Wikipedia, Reddit, YouTube, NPR, and Politico.
Commitment to User Feedback
Devin Nunes, CEO of Trump Media, emphasized plans to further refine and expand the search function based on user feedback. The goal is to enhance the platform’s usability and information reach over time.
A Broader Political and Regulatory Context
The launch of Truth Search AI comes at a time when AI governance is under intense scrutiny. President Trump recently signed an executive order targeting "biased AI," directing attention to the neutrality and fairness of algorithmic outputs. This move is particularly relevant as AI models increasingly shape access to information and public discourse.
Meanwhile, major AI vendors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have been added to a list of approved federal vendors, signaling growing institutional reliance on advanced AI technologies across public sectors.
Looking Ahead
Truth Social’s partnership with Perplexity highlights both the promise and challenges of AI-driven search in curated online communities. As platforms gain the power to filter and frame search results, transparency and user trust will become even more critical.
