Former President Donald Trump is facing a $454 million penalty in his civil fraud case in New York, where he is accused of inflating his real estate valuations and overall wealth to banks and insurance companies. However, a recent merger between his company, Trump Media & Technology Group, and Digital World Acquisition Corp. has the potential to save his financial predicament.
The merger is estimated to increase Trump’s net worth by $3 billion, providing a much-needed financial lifeline as he campaigns for a second term. Despite lagging behind President Biden in campaign donations, the merger with Digital World has the potential to turn the tide in Trump’s favor.
However, the merger has not been without complications. Digital World is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigated the proposed activity between Digital World and Trump Media. The SEC settled with Digital World for an $18 million penalty.
The closure of the deal has been met with celebration from Trump’s supporters, as it offers a potential boost to Trump Media’s financial performance. The merger follows a trend in the online platform industry, with platforms like Rumble and PublicSquare catering to a similar demographic as Truth Social, owned by Trump Media.
While the merger provides a significant financial opportunity for Trump, there are restrictions in place that prevent immediate access to the gains. Trump’s net worth, largely tied to real estate holdings, faces potential seizure by the attorney general’s office if he is unable to pay the penalty. The $3 billion lifeline from the merger could prove crucial in Trump’s financial future.