President Trump’s Truth Social launched its new “Patriot Package” streaming bundle over Independence Day, offering users access to live channels like Newsmax and OANN, on-demand content, and exclusive features like a red verification check and Truth+ badge. Framed as a move toward building an “uncancellable by Big Tech” ecosystem, the package is currently in beta and marketed as premium early access. The red checkmark is designed to give subscribers greater visibility on the platform by boosting their comment rankings.
But despite the rollout’s patriotic timing, reaction from users has been mixed. While some have praised the content, others have criticized the confusing sign-up process, unclear pricing, and the idea of charging for a beta test. Many were particularly turned off by the commercialization of the July 4th holiday. Still, the controversy may have served a purpose — as Trump himself wrote in The Art of the Deal, “Controversy, in short, sells."
