Perplexity Powers Trump's Truth Social AI Search, Sparks Debate
Perplexity Partners with Truth Social on Controversial AI Search
AI startup Perplexity has entered a partnership with Trump Media & Technology Group to power a new search feature called "Truth Search AI" on the former president's Truth Social platform. The collaboration raises questions about algorithmic bias and information control in politically-charged digital spaces.
The Technical Partnership
The web-based search tool currently uses Perplexity's Sonar API, which promises to:
- Query the web for verified information (even from sites blocking crawlers)
- Provide structured output for customizable responses
- Deliver answers with transparent citations
A mobile beta version is expected soon for iOS and Android users.
Information Control Concerns
While Perplexity emphasizes transparency, Trump Media retains full control over information sources. Company CEO Devin Nunes stated they plan to "refine and expand search features based on user feedback."
Perplexity spokesperson Jesse Dwyer told TechCrunch:
"We have no visibility or control over [source selection], just like when you use an API within your own company."
Early Testing Reveals Source Bias
Journalistic evaluations by Axios found that queries about:
- The January 6 Capitol riot
- Trump's impeachments
Consistently returned responses citing primarily Fox News, Washington Times, and The Epoch Times. In contrast, Perplexity's public search engine references broader sources including Wikipedia, NPR, and Politico.
Political Context
The launch comes weeks after Trump issued an executive order targeting what he called:
- "Biased AI" models
- Non-"ideologically neutral" systems
- DEI-related concepts he labeled "destructive ideologies"
The White House recently added major AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic to approved federal vendor lists, with OpenAI offering ChatGPT Enterprise to agencies for just $1/year.
Key Points:
- Perplexity provides AI search tech to Truth Social through its Sonar API
- Source selection remains controlled exclusively by Trump Media
- Early tests show heavy reliance on conservative media outlets
- Launch coincides with political debate about AI bias and neutrality
- Major AI firms gain government contracts as this partnership emerges
