Trump’s Troubled ‘Truth’
The journey of Truth Social’s evolution into a public entity is a tale twisted with financial complexities. Its merger with a public company propels this narrative into an intriguing phase that deserves a closer examination.
At the heart of this story is a financial instrument known as a Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation (SPAC), which was established in 2019. This SPAC, devoid of any initial acquisition target, found its purpose in an unforeseen partnership with Truth Social, initiating a process not created until October 2021 by Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG).
The question that arises is the intention behind the formation of Digital World Acquisition Corp (DWAC), given that its merger partner, Truth Social, had not been conceptualized at its inception. Patrick Orlando, CEO of DWAC, reportedly engaged in private discussions with Donald Trump regarding a prospective deal, an act that potentially breaches federal securities laws. This backdrop sets the stage for an intricate financial drama.
Various reports have surfaced, shedding light on the complex negotiations and alleged legal missteps involving significant figures and entities. These developments have cast a shadow over the legitimacy and future of Truth Social’s financial journey.
Today, despite facing financial turbulence and negligible advertising revenue, Truth Social’s valuation potentially stands at an astounding $5 billion as it eyes the public market. Steering this ship is Devin Nunes, a former U.S. House of Representatives member with no prior media experience, now at the helm of Trump Media.
As the merger progresses, Donald Trump is expected to transition from holding nearly 80 million ‘DJT’ shares to owning 69.4% of the combined entity – a move that signifies the merging of his political and business identities under the stock ticker symbol ‘DJT’.
The lead investors of DWAC include some notable names and firms. Among them is Susquehanna International Group, LLP, a titan in the industry led by billionaire Jeff Yass. The investor landscape is diverse, ranging from options trading giants to strategic wealth management firms, contributing to the complex financial structure supporting Truth Social’s public market ambitions.
Observers have voiced skepticism regarding the SPAC’s trading momentum, suggesting that its value is predominantly driven by Trump’s personal brand rather than the company’s underlying fundamentals. This sentiment echoes wider concerns about the sustainability and potential impact of Trump’s business endeavors on the market.
Donald Trump’s intricate history with financial ventures and legal entanglements provides a fraught backdrop for his newest business venture. From a myriad of lawsuits across various domains to his administrations remarkable low win rate in court cases related to agency actions, the potential risks associated with Trump’s latest business foray are manifold and multi-faceted.
In sum, Truth Social’s path to becoming a public company encapsulates a narrative replete with financial intricacies, legal controversies, and the undeniable influence of one of the most polarizing figures in recent history. This saga, still unfolding, promises to be a case study in the intersection of media, politics, and finance for years to come.
