Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, is facing fresh controversy as ARC Global Investments, a major shareholder, has sold nearly its entire stake in the company. The move, disclosed in a regulatory filing on Thursday, marks a dramatic shift for the media organization tied to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
ARC Global, previously holding more than 5% or over 11 million shares of Trump Media, now owns a mere 0.01% stake, according to the filing. This significant reduction comes months after a Delaware court ruling required the company to receive additional shares due to alleged breaches of an agreement by Trump Media.
The controversy surrounding Trump Media escalated earlier this year when Patrick Orlando, the former CEO of Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC), was ousted before the completion of the merger that took Trump Media public. ARC Global, managed by Orlando, has since been embroiled in legal disputes with the media group. A Delaware judge ruled in September that Trump Media had breached its agreement with ARC Global, ordering the company to issue more than half a million shares to the investment firm before insider sales restrictions expired.
Trump’s Ownership Remains Solid
Despite ARC Global’s divestment, Donald Trump remains the dominant force within Trump Media. The President-elect owns nearly 115 million shares, representing a 53% stake in the company. This majority ownership solidifies his control over the platform, which has positioned itself as a conservative alternative to traditional social media.
Truth Social gained notoriety as a haven for free speech advocates and Trump supporters, but the platform has faced criticism over its limited audience reach and ongoing financial challenges. The departure of ARC Global, once a cornerstone investor, raises further questions about the company’s long-term stability.
Legal and Market Implications
The timing of ARC Global’s sale aligns with lingering tensions between the investment firm and Trump Media. Orlando’s removal as CEO of DWAC earlier this year underscored the fractured relationship between the two entities. While the legal battle resulted in ARC Global securing additional shares, the subsequent sale suggests a lack of confidence in the company’s future.
Market analysts are watching closely, with some speculating that ARC’s exit could signal larger challenges for Trump Media. The company’s reliance on Truth Social as its flagship product has left it vulnerable to fluctuating user engagement and competitive pressures from established tech giants.
Investor Concerns
The move also has implications for investors eyeing Digital World Acquisition Corp., which trades under the NASDAQ ticker DJT. Analysts warn of potential volatility as the media company navigates shareholder unrest and legal disputes. While DJT’s association with Trump Media has attracted speculative interest, concerns over its valuation persist.
What’s Next for Trump Media?
With ARC Global nearly out of the picture, Trump Media faces mounting pressure to prove its viability. As Truth Social seeks to expand its user base and revenue streams, Trump’s leadership will likely be tested in the coming months. For now, the spotlight remains on how the media group will address its internal challenges and capitalize on its political affiliations.
The fallout from ARC Global’s exit may not be the final chapter in Trump Media’s turbulent journey. As legal and financial pressures mount, the future of Truth Social—and Trump Media at large—hangs in the balance.