Fez — Chris Pavlovski, founder of the right-wing video platform Rumble, and a central figure behind Donald Trump’s Truth Social, previously owned dozens of sexually explicit web domains. These past ventures appear at odds with the anti-pornography stance gaining traction among US conservatives.
Between 2003 and 2013, Pavlovski’s company, “Jokeroo,” held plenty of domains. Under his ownership, some were reportedly hosted or linked to voyeuristic content, though others remained inactive. His team later described the enterprise as a domain parking business, highlighting that the content was managed by third parties.
Truth Social, launched in 2022 with Pavlovski’s infrastructural support, bans pornography. However, reports have identified explicit content on the platform. The platform also drew attention in 2023 for connections to a bank known to process payments for adult websites.
From domain sales to MAGA media
Pavlovski became a favored figure in conservative tech circles after launching Rumble in 2013. The platform attracted high-profile backing from Republican figures and financiers, including JD Vance and Peter Thiel, and secured contracts with conservative media personalities like Steven Crowder and Dan Bongino.
His involvement in Trump’s media ventures grew after Rumble began providing hosting and advertising services to Truth Social. Though he declined the CEO position, Pavlovski’s role was instrumental, particularly through his outsourcing firm Cosmic Development, which provided technical and content staffing.
Key executives at Cosmic, including co-founder Ryan Milnes and former director Vuk Popovic, have also been linked to hundreds of adult domains. Popovic held over 400 adult-themed domains before his departure from the firm.
Tech libertarianism and conservative censorship
Pavlovski has aligned himself with broader conservative complaints about online censorship, positioning Rumble as a free speech alternative to mainstream platforms. While Rumble currently prohibits adult content due to app store policies, Pavlovski has expressed frustration over what he perceives as unequal enforcement across platforms.
Although Trump has not explicitly called for banning pornography, his administration has adopted legislation targeting non-consensual intimate imagery. Platforms like Truth Social could face increased scrutiny under such laws if explicit content remains accessible.
Meanwhile, Cosmic Development has continued to grow, now operating across North Macedonia, Serbia, and Canada. Originally focused on viral content and SEO optimization, the company now supplies developers, editors, and marketers for Trump-aligned digital ventures.
Maga’s internal contradictions
The intersection of Pavlovski’s professional history with the values of the MAGA movement illustrates ongoing ideological dissonance. While leaders such as JD Vance and Mike Johnson advocate for outright bans on pornography, their tech ecosystem includes individuals with longstanding ties to the adult content industry.
As Trump allies like Pavlovski expand their influence, the contrast between their commercial pasts and the movement’s moral messaging continues to invite scrutiny—particularly as the 2024 election cycle intensifies.
