SEC Charges Trump Media Auditor With Massive Fraud Stock Slides The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged former president Donald Trump's auditor, Benjamin Borgers, with a "massive fraud" and a "sham audit mill." The SEC alleges that Borgers did not properly prepare and maintain audit documentation, fabricated audit planning meetings, and passed off previous audits for the current audit period. The SEC claims that Borgers and his firm were responsible for one of the largest wholesale failures by gatekeepers in financial markets, putting investors and markets at risk and undermining trust and confidence in markets.
Of 369 BF Borgers clients whose filings from January 2021 through June 2023 incorporated BF Borgers' audits and reviews, at least 75% incorporated audits that did not comply with the SEC's rules. The company acted for Trump Media ( NASDAQ:DJT ) during the period of the SEC's complaint. In late March, Trump Media merged with a publicly traded shell company, Digital World Acquisition Corp, in a deal that valued the minnow social network at close to $8bn. The company now trades under the ticker symbol "DJT", using Trump's initials.
Trump Media's shares ( NASDAQ:DJT ) have fallen sharply since their debut but have continued to significantly boost the former president's wealth. The company is now valued at more than $6.5bn, with Trump as the company's largest shareholder and recently qualified for a bonus for the company's share performance that boosted the paper value of his stake to $3.7bn.
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Trump Set to Receive Bonus Worth $1.2Bn for $DJT PerformanceFormer President Donald Trump to receive a staggering $1.2 billion bonus, courtesy of the performance of his social media venture, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). Despite the tumultuous journey of $TMTG's stock value, Trump stands to benefit substantially from an "earn-out" windfall, underscoring the complexities of his post-presidential financial landscape.
The bonus, predicated on TMTG's shares maintaining a threshold value of $17.50 for a specified period, catapults the paper value of Trump's stake in the company to a staggering $3.7 billion. This windfall comes at a crucial juncture for Trump, as he grapples with mounting legal challenges and substantial financial liabilities stemming from civil lawsuits.
However, TMTG's stock performance has been far from steady, mirroring the tumultuous nature of Trump's post-presidential endeavors. Despite an initial surge following its debut on the Nasdaq stock exchange, TMTG's stock value has experienced sharp declines, punctuated by bouts of volatility and speculation.
The company's CEO, Devin Nunes, has hinted at potential market manipulation by short sellers, further adding to the intricacies of TMTG's stock saga. Additionally, political scrutiny looms large over TMTG, with allegations of influence peddling and financial backers drawing the attention of lawmakers and regulatory bodies.
Amidst this backdrop, Truth Social, TMTG's flagship platform, has emerged as a focal point for Trump's communication with his supporters. Despite its relatively modest user base compared to established social networks, Truth Social has carved out a niche within the right-wing digital sphere, amplifying Trump's voice and agenda.
As Trump navigates the complexities of his legal battles, including a landmark criminal trial, the financial windfall from TMTG serves as a testament to the intertwined nature of politics, media, and finance in the modern era. With each fluctuation in TMTG's stock value, Trump's fortunes wax and wane, reflecting the broader narrative of his post-presidential legacy.
As the saga of Trump Media & Technology Group ( NASDAQ:DJT ) continues to unfold, one thing remains certain: amidst the turbulence of the market and the corridors of power, the intersection of politics and finance continues to shape the trajectory of one of America's most polarizing figures.
Trump Media & Technology Group ($DJT) Rose Over 9.61Shares of Donald Trump's media and technology company, Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT.O), rose over 9.61% on Friday after it asked the Nasdaq exchange to help prevent alleged market manipulation in its shares by so-called "naked" short sellers. The company disclosed this in a Friday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In the letter to Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman, Trump Media CEO and former Congressman Devin Nunes suggested that the "naked" short-selling practice was to blame for the highly volatile nature of the company's shares. Short selling involves borrowing a stock to sell it on the expectation that the price will fall, then repurchasing the shares and pocketing the difference. "Naked" short-selling, which is generally illegal in the United States, involves selling shares without first borrowing them or determining they can be borrowed, creating the risk that the seller may not be able to deliver the shares.
Trump Media shares have been volatile and, in recent days, have hovered at nearly half their March 26 debut closing price of $57.99. "Reports indicate that, as of April 3, 2024, NASDAQ:DJT was 'by far' the most expensive U.S. stock to short," Nunes said in the letter, citing a CNBC report from April 3. He did not provide evidence of naked short-selling but noted that as of April 17, DJT was on Nasdaq's Reg SHO threshold list, which he said is "indicative of unlawful trading activity."
The threshold list is comprised of securities that have failed to clear for five consecutive settlement days, which can indicate naked short-selling or administrative or technical issues. Nunes did not accuse any specific firms or individuals of naked short-selling but noted that "data made available to us indicate that just four market participants have been responsible for over 60% of the extraordinary volume of NASDAQ:DJT shares traded: Citadel Securities, Virtu Americas, G1 Execution Services, and Jane Street Capital."
Trump Media's Truth Social Sink Amidst Share Registration FilingFormer President Donald Trump's foray into social media, Truth Social ( NASDAQ:DJT ), faced a significant setback as its parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp., ( NASDAQ:DJT ) registered shares for potential resale. This move sent shockwaves through the market, with the company's stock plunging by as much as 20%.
The registration includes shares held by insiders and those linked to warrants, marking the first step towards allowing Trump and other insiders to potentially capitalize on their stakes in the company. With as many as 146 million common shares and 21 million shares issuable upon warrant exercise now registered, investors are closely monitoring the situation.
The impact was not limited to common shares alone; warrants, which are tied to the stock and allow holders to exchange them for shares, also experienced a significant downturn, dropping by 12%.
While such filings are customary for blank-check deals like Trump Media's, completed last month to take the company public, the move has raised concerns among investors. However, it's important to note that the filing does not necessarily mean an immediate sale is imminent, nor does it guarantee future sales.
Technical Outlook
Truth Social stock ( NASDAQ:DJT ) is trading below the 100-day Moving Average (MA) residing in the oversold region with a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 27.12 indicating a strong bearish trend.
Donald Trump’s Stake in Truth Social Parent Drops to $3BillionIn a dramatic turn of events, shares of Donald Trump's media and technology ( NASDAQ:DJT )venture took a nosedive on Monday, plunging as much as 12% and exacerbating a relentless downtrend that has significantly diminished the value of his stake in the operator of Truth Social to a mere $2.9 billion.
Since its much-hyped debut in late March, Trump Media & Technology Group ( NASDAQ:DJT ) has been mired in turmoil, with investors growing increasingly wary following the disclosure of substantial losses earlier this month. The company's once-promising trajectory has now been overshadowed by mounting financial woes, casting a shadow over its prospects and sparking a mass exodus of disillusioned shareholders.
Closing at $37.17 on Monday, the company's stock languished far below its record high of $79 attained during its debut, marking a staggering 40% decline since the onset of April. The grim downturn not only spells trouble for Trump's financial interests but also poses a significant setback to his potential windfall, as he contemplates leveraging his shares to fund his anticipated 2024 presidential campaign and legal expenses.
With Trump's stake in the company shrinking from approximately $6 billion just last month to a paltry $2.9 billion, the precipitous slide underscores the tumultuous journey of Trump Media & Technology Group in the unforgiving landscape of media and technology.
While Trump's dwindling fortunes may spell gloom for the former president, short-sellers are reveling in the chaos, reaping market-to-market profits amidst the stock's freefall. With a short interest of approximately 4.75 million shares, short-sellers have capitalized on the company's woes, albeit at a significant cost. Despite Monday's decline translating into a $16 million profit for those betting against the stock, short-sellers remain ensnared in substantial losses, down 69% for the year.
As Trump Media & Technology Group ( NASDAQ:DJT ) grapples with its spiraling valuation and mounting investor skepticism, the company finds itself at a critical crossroads. With uncertainties looming over its ability to navigate the turbulent waters ahead, the fate of Truth Social's parent hangs in the balance, leaving stakeholders on edge and investors bracing for further volatility.
Trump Media & Technology Group ($DJT) Plummets by 21.47%The journey of Trump Media & Technology Group ( NASDAQ:DJT ) took a turbulent turn as the social media venture witnessed a steep decline of 21.47% in its stock value following revelations of significant financial losses and ongoing legal disputes. Despite a high-profile public debut, NASDAQ:DJT finds itself grappling with mounting challenges that have cast a shadow over its future prospects.
Financial Struggles and Market Volatility:
Trump Media & Technology Group ( NASDAQ:DJT ) disclosed a staggering loss of over $58 million in 2023, sending shockwaves through the investor community and triggering a sell-off. The initial surge in NASDAQ:DJT 's stock, driven by enthusiastic retail buyers, quickly reversed as the reality of financial setbacks emerged, leading to a sharp decline in share prices.
Implications for Trump and Shareholders:
While Donald Trump retains ownership of 78.75 million shares, potentially amounting to a significant windfall, the recent sell-off has eroded a substantial portion of its value. Legal restrictions prevent Trump from selling or borrowing against his shares for the next six months, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Despite the downturn, DJT's market value still exceeds $6 billion, albeit significantly lower than its initial public offering (IPO) valuation.
Short Sellers and Market Dynamics:
Short sellers targeting NASDAQ:DJT witnessed a significant recovery on Monday, underscoring the heightened demand for shorting NASDAQ:DJT shares amidst financial uncertainties. However, the scarcity of borrow supply adds complexity to the short-selling landscape, reflecting the volatility and speculative nature of DJT's stock.
Financial Performance and Competitive Landscape:
DJT's financial struggles are further underscored by its modest revenue of $4.13 million in 2023, compared to competitor Reddit's $800 million. Additionally, Truth Social's relatively small user base poses a challenge in competing with established platforms, exacerbating DJT's uphill battle in the social media landscape.
Legal Battles and Uncertainties:
In addition to financial woes, NASDAQ:DJT faces legal disputes with co-founders Wesley Moss and Andrew Litinsky, adding another layer of complexity to its challenges. These legal battles compound the uncertainties surrounding DJT's prospects, highlighting the uphill battle it faces in establishing itself as a viable competitor in the social media arena.
Donald Trump’s Media Company Spikes 50% On Wall Street DebutIn a whirlwind of market activity, Donald Trump's media company, Trump Media & Technology Group ( NASDAQ:DJT ), made its much-anticipated debut on Wall Street, sparking fervent investor interest and a flurry of speculation about the former president's latest venture.
Shares in Trump's media empire surged an astonishing 50% in early trading, as eager investors clamored for a piece of the action in the inaugural session of trading on the Nasdaq index. The company, trading under the ticker name NASDAQ:DJT —aptly representing the initials of its founder—saw its stock soar to remarkable heights, with Trump's majority stake valued at a staggering $5.9 billion.
The meteoric rise in Trump Media & Technology ( NASDAQ:DJT ) Group's stock price was fueled in part by news of Trump's success in securing a substantially reduced bond of $175 million in his ongoing civil fraud case—a development that injected newfound optimism into the company's prospects. However, the exuberant market response belied underlying concerns about the company's financial performance, with Truth Social, Trump's social media platform, reporting significant losses in its operations.
Analysts, while acknowledging the enthusiasm of Trump's supporters driving the stock's valuation, cautioned against overstating the company's underlying business prospects. Thomas Hayes, chairman of Great Hill Capital, characterized the valuation as "rich relative to its underlying fundamentals," suggesting that investor enthusiasm may be outpacing rational assessment of the company's true value.
The emergence of Trump Media & Technology Group ( NASDAQ:DJT ) comes on the heels of its merger with Digital World Acquisition Corp, a blank-check company, underscoring Trump's knack for leveraging strategic partnerships to propel his business endeavors. The use of the DJT ticker, a nostalgic nod to Trump's earlier ventures in the 1990s, adds a touch of familiarity to the company's Wall Street debut, evoking memories of Trump's foray into the hospitality and gaming industries.
Yet, amidst the jubilation surrounding Trump's resurgence in the business world, lingering legal challenges loom large, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his financial fortunes. Trump's ongoing legal battles, including the civil fraud case and a criminal hush money case, threaten to disrupt his plans for leveraging his newfound wealth from Trump Media & Technology Group.
Despite the jubilant mood among Trump's supporters, skepticism remains regarding the company's long-term viability and its potential impact on Trump's political aspirations. The success of Truth Social and Trump Media & Technology Group hinges not only on financial performance but also on the broader cultural and political landscape, where Trump's polarizing persona continues to command attention and controversy.
As Trump navigates the complexities of both the business and legal arenas, the fate of Trump Media & Technology Group hangs in the balance, poised between triumph and turmoil. While the company's soaring stock price may herald a new chapter in Trump's entrepreneurial journey, it also underscores the volatile intersection of politics, media, and finance in today's ever-evolving landscape.
In the corridors of power and the boardrooms of Wall Street, the saga of Trump Media & Technology Group unfolds—a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and the enduring allure of the Trump brand. Whether it emerges as a triumph or a tempest remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching closely as the story unfolds.
PHUN Stock Surges Amidst Trump-Related Developments: A Deep DivePhunware Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:PHUN ) has witnessed a dramatic surge in its stock price, fueled by a flurry of developments in the political and corporate landscape. As investors react to key events surrounding Donald Trump and the SEC-approved SPAC merger involving Trump's media company, PHUN shares have soared by over 50% in recent days.
Rallying on Political Winds:
The surge in NASDAQ:PHUN stock coincided with significant political victories for Donald Trump, including a favorable ruling at the Supreme Court and the SEC's approval of the SPAC merger between DWAC and Trump's media company. While Phunware may not directly benefit from Trump's presidency, its association with his past campaigns as a web and app developer has undoubtedly caught investors' attention.
Trump-Related Synergies:
The approval of the DWAC merger and the subsequent surge in NASDAQ:DWAC stock have indirectly bolstered Phunware's ( NASDAQ:PHUN ) fortunes, given its historical correlation with Trump-related stocks. However, questions linger about the lofty $10 billion valuation assigned to Truth Social, especially considering its ongoing losses and competitive challenges in the social media landscape.
Financial Prospects and Market Sentiment:
As Phunware ( NASDAQ:PHUN ) prepares to release its financial results, analysts are closely monitoring revenue expectations amidst a shifting economic landscape. While revenue projections for Q4 indicate a slight decline compared to previous quarters, investors remain optimistic about Phunware's growth prospects, buoyed by its strategic positioning and potential synergies with Trump-affiliated ventures.
Navigating Uncertain Terrain:
Despite the recent surge, uncertainties loom over Phunware's future trajectory, particularly in light of evolving market dynamics and regulatory scrutiny. As the company navigates through this volatile terrain, prudent financial management and strategic decision-making will be crucial in sustaining momentum and delivering long-term shareholder value.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Phunware's meteoric rise amidst Trump-related developments underscores the intricate interplay between politics, corporate strategy, and market sentiment. While the immediate catalysts driving the stock surge are clear, the long-term implications remain subject to broader macroeconomic trends and regulatory factors.
DWAC Dead Cat BounceIf Elon Musk doesn`t buy Twitter, that doesn`t mean he`s affiliated with Truth Social.
If you haven bought DWAC they announced the merger:
or short it at $55:
then this rally today seems to me the perfect opportunity to buy $10 puts expiring early 2023.
Not because i don`t believe in the project, but because it`s overvalued at this point.
The market cap should go down.
You can buy most of the SPACs lower than the original price.
I think this will be the case with DWAC too by Jan 2023.
Looking forward to read your opinion about it.
If Elon redefines Twitter, what`s the purpose of DWAC anyways ??I first bough DWAC at $12:
Thinking that Truth Social will take some market capitalization from Twitter and Facebook:
But since Elon Musk wants and most likely Will buy Twitter and enable true free speech on the platform, where Donald Trump won`t get banned that easily, then what is the purpose of DWAC (Truth Social and the rest) anyways???
Ok, let`s say it`s a republican new media platform, but then how you justify the approx. 10 Bil market capitalization at the current price, after the merger???
To be honest, i think this stock could easily go to the $23.50 support and even lower than $10, like most of the SPACs, if they don`t deliver great news for the shareholders.
Since the Musk takeover of Twitter, DWAC has already retraced significantly:
DWAC Donald Trump vs Elon MuskAfter it took some of the market capitalizations of both Twitter and Facebook:
now Trump media is facing a real opponent: Elon Musk. one of the most admired men in the planet.
Musk transformed TSLA into a cult, the first meme stock, before meme stocks were cool.
And it looks like the only one who can save Twitter too. In which he bought a 9.2% stake, worth $3Bil.
In this situation, considering also Trump`s appreciation for Putin and that the US should leave NATO, i think its SPAC won`t get too much sympathy in the near future.
In fact, i even expect a retracement to the 23.50 support.
and you know that i am not bias when it comes to the stock market. i was the first calling the 150 price target for DWAC (it reached $175):
Looking forward to read your opinion about it.
DWAC Truth Social released in App Store on Presidents Day Truth Social was released in App Store on Presidents Day, like expected:
If you haven`t bought it when the merger was announced:
Or see this comparison:
Then you should know that $110 is my price target!
DWAC Truth Social app launching on Presidents Day, Feb. 21If you haven`t bough DWAC at my fist call, before it skyrocketed to $180:
Then you should know that Truth Social's app profile page App Store seemed to point to the service launching on Feb. 21: Presidents Day.
even though i don`t see a necessarily a correlation between the ride of DWAC and the fall of FB and TWTR, this was a mk cap comparison:
I think Donald Trump will keep the stock`s momentum before the launch. Trump made statements suggested that people are leaving other social media platforms in anticipation for Truth Social.
My price target for Presidents Day, Feb. 21 is the $113 resistance.
Looking forward to read your opinion about it.
DWAC Trump Media & Technology Group to rival Twitter & FacebookBesides the Ideological Investing as a strong push back against the “liberal media consortium” that banned President Trump, Twitter and Facebook retraced from their highs while DWAC was rising.
Trump Media & Technology Group and Digital World Acquisition Corp. DWAC have entered into a definitive merger agreement.
The transaction values TMTG at an initial enterprise value of $875 Million, with a potential valuation of up to $1.7 Billion depending on the performance of the stock price post-business combination.
TRUTH Social will be a competitor to Twitter and Facebook .
TMTG+ will compete with Netflix and Disney+.
TMTG news will compete with CNN and iHeart Radio.
They have also plans for a Tech Stack that includes web hosting (vs Amazon Cloud) and payment processing software (vs PayPal).
Could this be the new Twitter / Facebook platform?
Don`t know if you have seen my comparison here:
or my first call on DWAC:
Looking forward to read your opinion about it!
$DWAC big move on the way?On a astrological level we are crossing a portal right now we will see if the move happens today or next week, obviously we would want the move sooner sympathy names on watch as well
$CFVI,PHUN etc
$DWACWe believe that DWAC a stock which is related to trump has a possibility of gapping up $5/$10.
On the technical side the 4h chart , the MacD crossing to the upside of 51.73 holds 54.97 is the next target than 57.30
The contract that was purchased was a $55 call for $53 the stop loss would be 38 since the bid and ask was wide the stop loss would be around $30. If the price of the contract goes to $30 we will close this trade.
TWTR Twitter to lose market share because of TRUTH Social ? Twitter permanently banned Trump from the platform in January 2021 during the final days of his term. Back then he had over 88.9 million followers.
Can we expect a retracement to that area because of TRUTH Social gaining momentum and market share?
Trump Media & Technology Group and Digital World Acquisition Corp. DWAC have entered into a definitive merger agreement.
The transaction values TMTG at an initial enterprise value of $875 Million, with a potential valuation of up to $1.7 Billion depending on the performance of the stock price post-business combination.
Truth Social is aiming for a beta launch in November.
TRUTH Social will be a competitor to Twitter and Facebook.
TMTG+ will compete with Netflix and Disney+.
TMTG news will compete with CNN and iHeart Radio.
They have also plans for a Tech Stack that includes web hosting (vs Amazon Cloud) and payment processing software (vs PayPal).
Could this be the new Twitter / Facebook platform?
I`m looking forward to read your opinion about it!