Former President Donald Trump’s long-awaited social media venture, Truth Social, is set to make its debut on the stock market under the ticker symbol DJT. This move comes amidst a flurry of attention and controversy, as Trump aims to reclaim a digital presence following his ban from major social media platforms in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
The journey to this point has been marked by twists and turns. Truth Social’s parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group, merged with Digital World Acquisition Corp (DWAC), a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), to facilitate its public listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange. DWAC, initially a shell company, saw its shares surge as investors anticipated the merger’s approval, eventually gaining 35% in regular trading on Monday.
Despite the excitement surrounding Truth Social’s market debut, questions linger about the platform’s financial health and viability. The valuation of Trump Media & Technology Group, estimated at $5.5 billion, raises eyebrows given Truth Social’s modest revenue of $3.3 million during the first nine months of 2023 and significant losses incurred since its launch in 2021. This valuation places it at odds with industry norms, especially compared to social media giants like Reddit, valued at $8 billion with over $800 million in sales last year.
Moreover, Truth Social’s user base has dwindled, with a 51% decline in mobile app users and a 20% decrease in web visitors year-over-year. This decline underscores the platform’s struggle to compete in a landscape dominated by behemoths like Facebook and TikTok. Despite these challenges, Trump and his allies remain optimistic about the platform’s potential, with Trump Media CEO Devin Nunes vowing to “reclaim the Internet from Big Tech censors” and uphold free expression.
Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has not been devoid of legal entanglements. Amidst ongoing civil fraud cases and defamation trials, Trump’s net worth has soared, doubling to an estimated $6.5 billion as a result of Truth Social’s public listing. However, lock-up restrictions prevent Trump from selling his shares for the next six months, leaving his gains on paper for the time being.
The merger with DWAC also brings to light the controversial nature of SPACs, which have faced scrutiny for their role in bypassing traditional IPO processes and potentially inflating valuations. Trump’s association with DWAC has fueled both anticipation and skepticism, with investors closely monitoring the platform’s performance in the coming months.
Trump’s vision for the platform as a bastion of free speech clashes with concerns over its financial viability and user engagement. Whether Truth Social can carve out a niche in the competitive social media landscape remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: its stock symbol, DJT, will be closely watched by investors and observers alike.