Trump's Social Media Business Is Merging With a Nuclear Fusion Company
- Reference: 0180418845
- News link: https://news.slashdot.org/story/25/12/18/2137259/trumps-social-media-business-is-merging-with-a-nuclear-fusion-company
- Source link:
> President Donald Trump's social media and crypto company is [2]making a huge bet on a far different industry -- nuclear fusion , a potentially lucrative albeit commercially unproven energy technology that could help power a suddenly electricity-starved economy. Trump Media and Technology Group Thursday [3]announced a surprise merger with TAE Technologies, in an all-stock deal valued at more than $6 billion that would create one of the first publicly traded fusion companies. News of the deal shares of Trump Media (DJT) 35% higher in early trading Thursday.
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> After the deal closes, shareholders of Trump Media and TAE would own about 50% of the combined entity. The combined companies plan to begin construction as soon as next year of the world's first fusion reaction that could produce electricity on utility scale, rather than just in laboratory settings. The combination with TMTG could give TAE political clout. But it could also make it more politically controversial, particularly if it looks to receive any kind of federal government support, such as grants, low-interest loans or permitting approvals.
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> It could also give TAE access to capital that it needs. Under terms of the deal, TMTG would provide $300 million in cash for TAE's plans. But that is likely a fraction of the cash available from some of TAE's current investors, such as Google parent company Alphabet, as well as its bevy of private equity investors. But that $300 million is only a fraction of the money that TAE needs, or expects to be able to access, once it has become a public company with this deal. Staying a private company, even with deep pocketed investors, is no longer sufficient TAE CEO Michl Binderbauer told CNN Thursday.
"It's a multi-billion dollar undertaking," said Binderbauer. "The velocity you can get the capital is differentiating. If I raise $2 billion over five years I can't built the plant sufficiently fast." He said the company has raised about $1.3 billion over the course of its 25-year history.
[1] https://slashdot.org/~Tony+Isaac
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/18/business/truth-social-trump-tae-technologies-nuclear-fusion
[3] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/12/18/3207544/0/en/Trump-Media-Technology-Group-to-Merge-with-TAE-Technologies-a-Premier-Fusion-Power-Company-in-All-Stock-Transaction-Valued-at-More-Than-6-Billion.html?_gl=1*1p9fzp4*_up*MQ..*_ga*NDk1NzI5NjUwLjE3NjYwNTkwNDI.*_ga_ERWPGTJ5X8*czE3NjYwNTkwNDEkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjYwNTkwNDgkajUzJGwwJGgw
The art of the bribe (Score:3, Insightful)
Nobody in history has managed to solicit bribes so well, billions upon billions through crypto and scummy deals like these.
Re: (Score:1)
But the populace of trumpistan is really taking it calmly and without much concern. Sadly, the practice also sends terrible signals across the world.
Hilarious (Score:3)
Is TAE even considered to be one of the frontrunners in the fusion race? It seemed like Helion and CFS were expected to be the top dogs. Regardless, if TAE reaches commercial milestones, it would help torpedo the coal and petroleum sectors. Which would be a funny thing for Trump to back financially.
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
Like Trump cares. This is all about the cashout. Companies invest. He cashes out. He and his family get richer and richer. Art of the bribe.
Re: Hilarious (Score:2)
Isn't that how most investors are nowadays? Invest, demand raising of price at the expense of long-term viability, cash out before the butcher's bill comes. Suckers who didn't sell quick enough are left holding the bankruptcy bag.
Re: TRUMP vs LEFTWING FASCISM. (Fascism is LEFT) (Score:3)
You forgot to end with "thank you for your attention to this matter".
Re: (Score:2)
I TOO AM ANGRY AT EDUCATION.
> who are obnoxious, vile trolls here on Slashdot.
My dude. You might be the first accout I've seen where almost every post is marked -1 TROLL
I'd suggest sitting with that fact for a while, but I know your not here to think are you champ?
Re: (Score:2)
I have moderator points, but I can't find the "-99 Dumb as fuck"-button.
When grifters get dementia- (Score:1)
-they become the grifted. Nice going whoever runs "TAE", I'm sure he'll be dead or at least out of office by the time your con gets exposed. But maybe look up non extradition countries just in case.
Like never before (Score:2)
We'll have successful nuclear fusion on day one.
Oh no, the kiss of death (Score:1)
Given his investment record, this is gonna put Nuclear Fusion back by about ... 20 years.
Seriously, this man's science advisors have told him Global Warming is totally NOT real, but Nuclear Fusion IS worth investing in ?
Who had THAT in their bingo card? (Score:2)
It's going to take decades to figure out all the corruption over the last year.
Re: (Score:2)
Not really. He's doing most of it out in the open. His followers are so fucking stupid, they think anything done in the open is legitimate, because what kind of crazy person would do bad shit out in the open?
Before you get too excited (Score:4, Informative)
Remember, Trump [1]bankrupted four casinos . [politifact.com]
[1] https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2015/sep/21/carly-fiorina/trumps-four-bankruptcies/
Re:Before you get too excited (Score:5, Insightful)
You're missing the point. This is all about bribing Trump and scamming people. Just like his crypto is not a moneymaker for anybody but him and his cronies, this is the same. The Saudis will come in and invest billions. Trump will sell and pocket massive amounts of cash.,
Re: (Score:2)
I don't think Trump even runs the social media anyway, it's some guys who pay him to use the name. He can't lose.
Re: (Score:2)
I doubt the guy even cares. If he lasts until the end of his term in 2029, he'll be 82. He has money. His kids have money. Anything he manages to pull off is just icing on the cake. If I were him, which I obviously am not, I wouldn't give two shits about money at this point. I agree with some of what he is doing, but seriously I don't understand the guy's motivations.
Re: (Score:3)
The other thing he has is dementia. The constantly bandaged right hand is from Leqembi injections which must be done intravenously. He might be alive in 2029 but he'll be entirely demented. However, no one will notice.
Re: (Score:1)
He's a narcissist. I think quietly disappearing isn't really his vibe. More money is a facet of the ego trip alongside tacky golden things, having his name on hotels and getting likes on social media.
More rationally (if he is ever rational), it's often hard to properly retire (see most African dicators etc) as the next guy might come after your wealth or liberty. Admittedly, and a touch surprisingly, he has developed a next generation that could protect him while he plays golf.
Re: (Score:2)
The trick is not to go after his wealth. The trick is to go after his family's wealth: bankrupt and jail his kids. If you don't, you just leave disgruntled rich control freaks free to attempt to *retake* the kingdom after daddy is dead.
Re: (Score:2)
And soon one country.