What is the new website that Donald Trump has launched after his social media ban?
The former President is back online with his 45Office website after being banned from Twitter, Facebook and all mainstream social media platforms.
Former President Donald Trump has launched a new website to serve as a personal hub for both himself and former First Lady, Melania Trump. This is their first notable foray back online since Trump had his social media accounts suspended indefinitely in the wake of the Capitol Hill riots in January.
The new website, 45office.com, has few posts at this stage but does include a lengthy biography for both Donald and Melania Trump. The former President’s biography begins:
“Donald J. Trump launched the most extraordinary political movement in history, dethroning political dynasties, defeating the Washington Establishment, and becoming the first true outsider elected as President of the United States. “
What is the purpose of Trump’s new website?
In both election campaigns and throughout his time in office Trump relied heavily on digital media to communicate with his supporters, an avenue that allowed him to connect directly with those who would become his base voters.
The decision of all major social media companies to block his accounts earlier this year will undoubtedly affect his ability to remain politically influential while no longer president. This website marks the first step of a return to his old method of disseminating his views.
The website even makes reference to the “inspiring, groundbreaking campaign [which] proved pollsters, pundits, prognosticators, and the corporate media spectacularly wrong.”
That desire to keep in touch with his supporters is evident from the website itself, which gives people the chance to contact the Trumps directly and even request a greeting from the former President and First Lady.
The ‘Share Your Thoughts’ section reads: “Donald J. Trump and Melania Trump enjoy hearing from the American people. In an effort to ensure that your requests and comments are received in a timely manner, it is strongly encouraged that you submit all correspondence online.”
For supporters requesting a greeting they are asked to choose an occasion, ranging from weddings to a Girl Scout gold award, and warned that it will take up to six weeks for the request to be processed.
Trump social media platform to arrive later this year
Having been removed from the mainstream social networking sites, Trump’s team have confirmed that he will be launching his own social media site later this year. Jason Miller, a long-time Trump adviser and spokesperson for his 2020 campaign, has announced that the new platform will "completely redefine the game.”
"This new platform is going to be big," Miller said during a recent appearance on Fox News. "Everyone wants him and he's going to bring millions and millions -- tens of millions -- to this platform."
It is thought that some aides had suggested that Trump utilise the likes of Parler after being kicked off Twitter and Facebook, but Jared Kushner advised against connecting the Trump name with those more fringe social media platforms. The new website and upcoming social networking site will be an attempt to create a new online forum as he looks to consolidate his support.