Trump Media Alerts SEC Over Suspected DJT Stock Manipulation
Sarasota, Thursday, 17 April 2025.
Trump Media & Technology Group has reported potential stock manipulation to the SEC amid concerns of illegal short selling. Regulatory investigation is urged to protect investor interests.
Background and Concerns
On April 10, 2025, Qube Research & Technologies, a U.K.-based hedge fund, revealed a short position of nearly 6 million shares in Trump Media & Technology Group Corp (TMTG), traded on exchanges including Nasdaq and NYSE Texas under the ticker DJT. This significant short position came amidst rising scrutiny over potential manipulation and vulnerabilities within the company’s stock trading practices [1].
Details of Short Interest
As of March 31, 2025, the total short interest in DJT stood at 10.7 million shares, increasing marginally to approximately 11 million shares by April 16, 2025. Despite these figures, TMTG has reported that there is no confirmation from Nasdaq, NYSE Texas, or any other trading platforms regarding the veracity and timing of trades disclosed by Qube[2].
Allegations and Historical Context
The allegations are rooted in a history of suspicious trading activities surrounding DJT stocks, notably its consistent appearance on Nasdaq’s Regulation SHO Threshold Security List for over two months in 2024, suggesting possible illegal naked short selling practices. Such activities have prompted TMTG to appeal to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a thorough investigation into these trading patterns[1][3].
Broader Implications and SEC Involvements
This incident adds to a broader set of allegations against former President Trump, highlighting the intertwined complexities of his recent tariff announcements and the possible repercussions of insider trading and stock manipulation. Multiple sources have reported the potential involvement of insider trading just before tariff reversals and subsequent rises in market indices, raising ethical and legal questions [4][5].