Trump Media & Technology Group, which operates the social media platform Truth Social, witnessed a significant decline in its market valuation, with shares plummeting nearly 20% over the past week. The company, which debuted on the Nasdaq under the ticker DJT, closed the week at $32.59 per share, a stark contrast to its opening price of nearly $80 just a few weeks prior.
This downturn reflects broader concerns about the company's financial health and its embattled founder, former President Donald Trump. Despite an initial surge in market cap to $9.5 billion at the peak of its trading, the company’s valuation has halved to approximately $4.45 billion, reflecting investor skepticism and operational challenges.
The drop in share price coincides with Trump's legal entanglements, including a pending criminal trial in Manhattan Supreme Court related to allegations of falsifying business records. These legal challenges have not only cast a shadow over Trump’s presidential ambitions but also over the financial viability of his media venture.
Trump Media, established following Trump's ban from major platforms like Twitter, initially sought to create a "cancel-free" zone for conservative voices. However, the company reported a staggering $58 million net loss last year, with meager revenue of just $4.1 million, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The financial disclosures also revealed a significant operational loss and an ongoing struggle to generate sufficient revenue, casting doubt on the company’s ability to sustain operations. This has led to heightened activity among short sellers, betting against the stock’s recovery. Ihor Dusaniwsky, managing director of predictive analytics at S3 Partners, noted that short interest in DJT shares remains high, with significant annual financing costs for those looking to short the stock.
Amidst these financial headwinds, Trump remains a central figure in the company, frequently using Truth Social to voice his grievances against the legal system and to rally his base. At a recent event at his Mar-a-Lago club, Trump praised the platform for its strength and dedication, emphasizing that the company has "over $200 million dollars in cash, which is very liquid" and no debt.
However, the market's response suggests a growing apprehension about the company’s direction and Trump’s ongoing legal battles. This week’s trading activity saw the stock momentarily dip below $30, a new post-merger low, before making a modest recovery.
These market movements are reflective of the broader uncertainties facing Trump Media as it navigates financial instability and scrutinizes public perception. As the company continues to grapple with these challenges, the financial community and political observers alike are closely monitoring how these issues will influence the broader media landscape and Trump’s future political and business endeavors.