Donald Trump’s new social media app, Truth Social, is already struggling with teething problems after users complained they were unable to log in just hours after it went live.
Truth Social, which is backed by Trump Media & Technology Group, launched on Apple’s App Store late on Sunday night.
However, new users reported being placed on waitlists, with the app citing “massive demand”, and others said they were struggling to register for an account.
The launch of the app is expected to see the former president make a return to social media, following the furore around the Capitol Hill riots last year which led to Mr Trump being banned from websites including Twitter and Facebook. He was accused of inciting violence which led to rioters storming the Capitol Building.
The app has been in a testing phase in recent weeks, and Mr Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr last week posted a screenshot of his father’s first message on Truth Social, in which he wrote: “Get Ready! Your favorite President will see you soon!”
Reports had suggested that the launch of the app could be delayed as regulators investigate Digital World, a special purchase acquisition company (Spac) which is set to be used to take Trump Media & Technology Group public.
Digital World last year said it would be merging with the Trump Media & Technology Group, in a move that would give the Trump business almost $300m (£220m) to funnel into the Truth Social app.
The business also raised $1bn from private investors, although it will only be available when the merger with Digital World completes.
The Trump Media & Technology Group is led by former Republican representative Devin Nunes.
Mr Nunes was reportedly on the app late last week encouraging users to be posting more photos and videos.
Speaking to Fox News over the weekend, Mr Nunes said: “This week we will begin to roll out on the Apple App Store. That’s going to be awesome, because we’re going to get so many more people that are going to be on the platform.
“Our goal is, I think we’re going to hit it, I think by the end of March we’re going to be fully operational at least within the United States.”
