It is somewhat understandable if the existence of Donald Trump’s media venture, Trump Media and Technology Group, and its associated streaming service, Truth+, has eluded your attention. However, now that you are aware of its existence, one might naturally wonder about the nature of its content. A recent investigative report by Talking Points Memo (TPM) has ventured into the depths of Truth+, and the findings are, to put it mildly, unconventional.
Truth+ seemingly prioritizes two thematic areas: religion and conspiracy theories. This aligns with the perceived interests of the MAGA movement, but the conspiracy theories presented diverge from the more conventional “election was stolen” narratives, instead delving into claims that Jesus Christ was an extraterrestrial.
According to TPM, one of the films on the platform, titled "Conspiracy Chronicles," makes assertions that Jesus, Buddha, and Krishna originated from another planet. Furthermore, the film posits that the Moon is hollowed out and serves as a base for extraterrestrial beings. The connection, if any, between these supposed aliens and the religious figures remains unclear. The film further suggests a government cover-up of this information. The implication is that the individual now overseeing the streaming service disseminating these theories is in a position to reveal this information, although it remains to be seen if this will occur.
"Conspiracy Chronicles" is not an isolated example. Other films on the platform explore equally outlandish concepts. One such film, "Lizard People: Rulers of Time and Space," alleges the existence of a race of reptilian aliens who created humanity and established religious systems to control them. It’s notable that some of these theories skirt the edges of recognizable social critiques, for instance, the idea of organized religion as a tool for control, but then attribute it to extraterrestrial forces instead of human power dynamics. The article suggests that these theories may offer a digestible explanation for certain audiences by incorporating elements of the supernatural.
It’s important to acknowledge that most streaming services host some unusual content acquired through various rights agreements that often go unnoticed. Additionally, Truth+ likely has a relatively small viewership. However, TPM’s report indicates that those who do watch Truth+ are engaging with these conspiracy theories. "Lizard People," for example, was reportedly among the platform’s top 10 most-watched films recently.
This type of programming appears at odds with Trump’s promise that the platform would be devoted to "news, Christian content, and family-friendly programming that is uncancellable by Big Tech.” While the Bible does mention serpents, it does not delve into elaborate theories about reptilian overlords. The type of conspiracies that are surfacing on Truth+ is a departure of his original ideas.
The choice to pursue conspiracies that involve religion and extra terrestrial beings could be that Trump is simply trying to create a profitable and sensational news media for his followers. Many of the things that Trump and his media group is tied to create outlandish claims that go against popular belief.
The content displayed on Truth+ may be a method of generating news that will create a high level of engagement among Trump followers. It is a good way of drawing in a specific type of audience and creating a community for that audience. It creates a niche for conspiracy theorists that creates a space where their beliefs are shared and welcome.
The creation of a media platform and streaming service is a good way to control a narrative that Trump can manage. When you put Trump and media in the same sentence the assumption is that Trump wants to have the ability to broadcast and engage his followers in any way he likes. Truth+ does exactly that, and will continue to do so as long as it remains in operation.
The current climate of the media makes the rise of a Trump affiliated streaming service no surprise to anyone. He has a following that is very strong, and a large base of followers that would contribute to the service doing well. A lot of people who support Trump may see the streaming service as an alternative to the woke media that is out there today.
Overall, Truth+ presents a unique blend of religious and conspiratorial content, appealing to a specific segment of the population. Its programming choices reflect a departure from the platform’s initially stated objectives, instead embracing a more sensational and controversial approach. The long-term implications of this strategy remain to be seen, but it is clear that Truth+ is carving out a distinct space in the crowded landscape of streaming media.
