For edit: Trump Media co-founder and former ‘Apprentice’ contestant dumps dumps 7.5 million shares

Sep 26, 2024 at 10:35 PM

Insider Exodus: Trump Media Shareholder Unloads Massive Stake Amid Volatility

In a surprising move, a major shareholder and former "The Apprentice" contestant in former President Donald Trump's social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, has offloaded nearly his entire stake in the company. The share sale, worth an estimated $100 million, comes amidst ongoing legal battles and a tumultuous stock price for the embattled media venture.

Navigating the Turbulent Tides of Trump Media

Litinsky's Sudden Departure

United Atlantic Ventures, managed by Trump Media & Technology Group co-founder Andy Litinsky, has drastically reduced its stake in the company, according to regulatory filings. The firm, which once owned over 7.5 million shares, now holds just 100 shares, a staggering drop that has raised eyebrows within the industry. Litinsky's abrupt exit from the company he helped co-found raises questions about the internal dynamics and future prospects of Trump Media.

The Apprentice Connection

Litinsky's involvement with Trump Media was not entirely unexpected, given his past as a contestant on Trump's NBC reality show, "The Apprentice." The show, which helped cement Trump's image as a successful businessman, has now become intertwined with the fortunes of his latest media venture. Litinsky's departure, however, suggests that the allure of the "Trump brand" may not be enough to sustain the company's long-term viability.

Insider Trading Restrictions Lifted

The share sale by Litinsky's firm comes as insiders were previously prohibited from selling their shares in Trump Media due to lock-up restrictions. The lifting of these restrictions has opened the door for other insiders to potentially follow suit, further fueling concerns about the company's stability and the confidence of its key stakeholders.

Trump's Dominant Stake Remains

While Litinsky has opted to cash out, the former president himself has declared that he will not be selling his own substantial stake in the company. Trump currently owns 114.75 million shares in Trump Media, a stake that was worth a staggering $6.2 billion as recently as mid-May. However, the company's share price has since plummeted, reducing the value of Trump's holding to around $1.6 billion as of the latest closing price.

Volatile Stock Performance

The volatility of Trump Media's stock price has been a source of concern for investors and observers alike. The company's shares have experienced a dramatic decline in recent months, sinking to record lows earlier this week. This turbulence has undoubtedly contributed to Litinsky's decision to offload his stake, as he seeks to mitigate his exposure to the company's uncertain future.

Legal Battles and Uncertainty

The share sale by Litinsky's firm is not entirely surprising, given the ongoing legal battles between the co-founder and Trump Media. The complex web of legal disputes and internal power struggles has cast a shadow over the company's operations, further eroding investor confidence and contributing to the stock's erratic performance.As Trump Media navigates these turbulent waters, the departure of a major shareholder like Litinsky serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the company. With the former president's dominant stake still in place, the future of Trump Media remains uncertain, as it grapples with legal issues, volatile stock prices, and the shifting loyalties of its key stakeholders.