Investor Confidence Falters as Trump Media Stock Tumbles Post-Debate
The stock price of Trump Media and Technology Group (NASDAQ: DJT), the company behind Truth Social, experienced a sharp 17% drop on Wednesday morning. This came just a day after Donald Trump, the company’s majority shareholder and the current Republican presidential nominee, participated in a highly anticipated debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.
Investing in Trump Media stock has always been closely linked to Trump’s political future. The company’s business model hinges significantly on his popularity, as confirmed by TMTG’s own disclosures.
Trump owns roughly 59% of the company’s shares, which translates into significant financial stakes for him personally. With Wednesday’s stock plunge, Trump’s share in the company was valued at nearly $1.8 billion, marking a substantial decrease from earlier highs.
Wednesday’s market reaction followed a brief uptick in the stock earlier in the week, driven by optimistic speculation about Trump’s debate performance. Shares had surged as much as 10% on Tuesday as investors seemed hopeful about the former president’s ability to fend off Harris in their first one-on-one debate.
However, the drop that followed reflects a more critical reassessment of that performance, with market analysts speculating that some investors may have lost confidence in Trump’s chances of securing a political victory in 2024.
The political significance of the debate between Trump and Harris cannot be understated. Market activity often reacts sharply to major political events, and this debate was no exception. As Harris delivered a performance praised by both liberal and conservative pundits alike for its poise and preparation, the stock market reflected growing doubts about Trump’s electoral prospects.
In particular, Election Betting Odds, which tracks multiple betting markets, showed that Harris’ odds of winning the 2024 election jumped to 51.8%, overtaking Trump. This marked a decisive shift in the election narrative, signaling increasing confidence in Harris as a viable presidential candidate.
Trump, on the other hand, appeared to struggle in several key moments during the debate, with political analysts noting that he was frequently thrown off-topic by Harris’ strategic provocations. Notably, Harris’ campaign team projected an air of confidence after the debate, even challenging Trump to an immediate rematch. However, Trump has indicated that he may not agree to participate in another debate, which could further shake investor confidence.
Trump Media’s stock has been under pressure for some time. After hitting a record high of $79.38 in late March, shares have fallen dramatically, dropping more than 75% from their peak. Several factors have contributed to this decline, including uncertainty surrounding Trump’s political future and the approaching end of a lock-up period that restricts insiders from selling their shares.
The lock-up period, which is set to end on September 19, could have significant implications for the company’s stock price. Trump and other high-level shareholders will soon have the ability to offload their shares if the price remains above $12, a threshold that, while above current levels, still places the stock in a precarious position. The potential for large sell-offs could further drive down the price, exacerbating investor concerns.
This week’s stock plunge also coincided with news that President Joe Biden, after months of speculation about his political future, officially endorsed Harris as the Democratic candidate for president. Biden’s decision to step down from the race and throw his support behind Harris has reshuffled the electoral landscape, putting additional pressure on Trump’s campaign. As a result, the stock market has mirrored this shifting political dynamic, with investors seemingly more hesitant to back Trump Media’s fortunes.
For retail investors and hedge funds alike, the erratic movement of the firm’s stock represents both a risk and an opportunity. The company’s market value, which once peaked at $10 billion, has shrunk considerably, currently hovering around $3 billion.
Despite the company’s high-profile backing, its financial health remains a concern. In its most recent quarterly earnings report, Trump Media recorded a $16 million loss, raising questions about its long-term viability. Some analysts have gone so far as to argue that the company is overvalued, given its relatively small user base and ongoing legal challenges.
Information for this briefing was found via CNBC, Forbes, and the companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
