Donald Trump says he’s not selling Trump Media stock; shares jump 26%

Sep 13, 2024 at 6:59 PM

Trump's Unwavering Commitment to Truth Social: A Defiant Stance Amid Market Volatility

In a surprising move, Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, has declared his unwavering commitment to retaining his majority stake in Truth Social, the parent company of the social media platform he founded. This announcement comes amidst a tumultuous period for the company's stock, which has experienced significant volatility in recent months.

Unwavering Resolve: Trump's Refusal to Sell His Stake in Truth Social

Doubling Down on His Vision

Despite the market's fluctuations, Trump has firmly stated that he has "absolutely no intention of selling" his majority stake in Truth Social. This resolute stance underscores the former president's belief in the platform's potential and his desire to maintain a strong voice within the company. Trump's commitment to Truth Social appears to be driven by more than just financial considerations, as he has emphasized that his involvement is not solely for monetary gain, but rather to ensure that his voice remains a prominent part of the platform's narrative.

Weathering the Storm: Truth Social's Volatile Stock Performance

Truth Social's stock has been on a rollercoaster ride, mirroring the political fortunes of its founder. The stock surged following Trump's first debate with President Joe Biden in June and again after the former president survived an assassination attempt in July. However, the tide turned when Kamala Harris's strong debate performance raised the odds of her winning the presidential election, leading to a significant selloff in Truth Social's shares.

Insider Moves and the Looming Lock-up Expiration

The impending expiration of the lock-up period, which has prevented insiders from selling their shares, has also been a source of concern for investors. While Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to retaining his stake, several other insiders have already signaled their intention to sell or have already done so, including CEO Devin Nunes. This potential influx of shares on the market has added to the uncertainty surrounding Truth Social's stock performance.

The Financial Realities: Truth Social's Struggling Financials

Despite the market's volatility, the financial realities of Truth Social's operations cannot be ignored. The company has been posting losses, with revenue for the first half of the year amounting to just $1.6 million and cash flow deep in negative territory. This financial performance has fueled speculation that Trump may need to sell his shares to raise additional funds, particularly as his legal expenses have mounted with his campaign falling short of the massive fundraising hauls posted by Harris.

Potential Borrowing Against the Stake

Even if Trump does not sell his shares, the end of the lock-up period frees him up to borrow against his stake in Truth Social. Experts have suggested that he may not be required to disclose such borrowing, adding another layer of complexity to the company's financial landscape.

The Broader Implications: Truth Social's Role in the Political Landscape

Trump's unwavering commitment to Truth Social extends beyond the financial realm, as the platform has become a crucial part of the former president's political strategy. The success or failure of Truth Social could have significant implications for Trump's continued influence within the Republican Party and his potential future political aspirations. As such, his refusal to sell his stake can be seen as a strategic move to maintain his presence and control within the ever-evolving political landscape.