Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial victory as investors have given the green light for his company, Trump Media, to go public. The deal, approved on Friday, marks a major milestone for Truth Social’s owner, promising a multi-billion-dollar windfall for the former President. However, despite this apparent success, Trump’s financial troubles are far from over.
The merger between Trump Media and Digital World Acquisition Corp. has been years in the making, overcoming numerous legal and regulatory obstacles. With shareholders’ approval, Trump stands to gain a dominant stake in the publicly traded company, valued at over $3 billion. Yet, experts caution that this windfall won’t immediately resolve Trump’s pressing financial concerns.
Trump’s looming cash crunch is highlighted by a Monday deadline to post a $464 million bond in New York’s civil fraud case against him. Failure to meet this obligation could result in the seizure of his assets, including his golf course and private estate.
While the merger presents Trump with a lucrative opportunity, the reality is less promising. The stock’s perceived value vastly exceeds its actual worth, with Trump Media’s revenue in sharp contrast to its market valuation. Truth Social, the company’s flagship platform, has also seen a decline in users, raising doubts about its future profitability.
Furthermore, Trump’s shares in the company are subject to lock-up periods, preventing immediate sale or use as collateral. Even if these restrictions were lifted, finding buyers willing to invest in an overvalued stock would be challenging. Banks, too, may hesitate to accept the stock as collateral, wary of potential losses if its value plummets.
In conclusion, while the approval of the merger marks a significant milestone for Trump, it is unlikely to alleviate his financial woes. The inflated value of Trump Media, coupled with legal uncertainties and lock-up restrictions, diminishes the likelihood of Trump converting his stake into much-needed liquidity. As Trump celebrates his impending windfall, the specter of financial uncertainty continues to loom large.