Staff Reports
Trump Media took a noticeable dip following the former president’s debate performance earlier this week, with the stock falling 10% in premarket trading. This decline may not come as a shock to anyone who’s been following the rollercoaster ride that is Trump Media & Technology Group’s stock trajectory, which has been more unpredictable than a five-year-old left alone with a box of crayons.
On debate day, the stock was already hovering at a fraction of its former glory, down a staggering 76% from its peak of over $60 per share reached in April. It seems Trump’s media endeavor is facing headwinds akin to those one might encounter in a hurricane. This latest drop occurred on Wednesday, when it opened at more than 10% lower than the previous day’s trading. Perhaps investors are starting to think that the only thing more volatile than Trump Media’s stock is a security line at a Trump rally.
Washington Examiner: Trump Media stock dropped 10% following debate https://t.co/yDIZDNVRkc
— Ian’s Newsfeed 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHNewsFeed) September 11, 2024
The timing of the drop is suspiciously aligned with Trump’s first debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, which was likely viewed as polarizing by those who prefer their political spectacles with a side of drama. Critics and supporters alike seemed to have weighed in, and it appears that more than a few have chosen to show their displeasure by pulling back on their investments in the digital media enterprise.
Complicating matters further is the looming expiration date of a clause that currently prevents Trump from cashing in on his shares. This date, set for September 19, is clearly causing jitters among investors who are anticipating a mass exodus if the former president decides to offload some stock. Trump’s personal investment in the company is significant, owning around 115 million shares, which accounts for about 60% of the company’s total stake. At its peak, his stake was valued at a staggering $6 billion, but now it’s been cut down to about $2 billion—a sobering reminder of what can happen in the wild world of stock trading.
Should Trump decide to sell his stock, he could potentially alienate approximately 600,000 individual stockholders. One must wonder whether these shareholders, largely considered Trump supporters, would feel betrayed by the man they believed would lead them to financial glory through his media empire. Many might find themselves asking if Trump is just a businessman or a true leader who stands by his supporters all the way to the bank.
Interestingly, the last significant surge in Trump Media’s stock was a direct reaction to an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania this past July. It may seem that only extreme situations move the stock price in a positive direction, leaving investors with the intriguing question of just how dramatic the next occasion might need to be for another upward tick. Maybe it’s time investors consider finding a good therapist to manage the emotional rollercoaster of backing Trump Media—or at least invest in some strong coffee for all the sleepless nights ahead.
