Title: Die-Hard Trump Supporter Turns Pirate Preacher in Celebration of Trump Media’s Stock Market Debut
One afternoon last month, Chad Nedohin, a part-time pastor and die-hard supporter of Donald J. Trump, donned a pirate costume, grabbed his microphone, and recited a prayer on a livestream on the right-wing video site Rumble. His 1,400 followers eagerly awaited the results of a merger vote that would determine whether Trump Media & Technology Group, the former president’s social media company, could start selling stock on Wall Street. The news arrived via an audio feed: Trump Media was going public.
Mr. Nedohin and his viewers erupted in celebration as they learned that they were now financial investors in Trump Media. The stock’s debut on the market has turned it into the latest “meme stock,” driven more by internet hype than business fundamentals. The stock price has been fluctuating wildly, with significant implications for Mr. Trump’s finances, as he owns over $4 billion in Trump Media shares.
Despite the stock’s volatility, Mr. Nedohin remains steadfast in his belief in the company’s potential. He is one of many amateur investors who see Truth Social, Trump Media’s platform, as a future social media giant. His advocacy for the company has garnered a following, with thousands tuning into his webcasts where he encourages viewers to invest in Trump Media, citing Trump’s history of success.
While some critics question the company’s viability based on its financial performance, loyal investors like Mr. Nedohin continue to support Trump Media, driving the stock’s valuation to levels comparable to established companies. The recent settlement with the S.E.C. and approval of the merger with Digital World have further fueled optimism among investors.
As Mr. Nedohin navigates the ups and downs of Trump Media’s stock price, he remains committed to Truth Social and the values he believes it represents. His journey from engineer to part-time pastor to influential advocate for Trump Media reflects the fervor and dedication of Trump supporters who see the company as a beacon of free speech and conservative values in the digital world.
