Trump Media Grants Stock Shares To Administration Nominees

Trump Media & Technology Group has faced scrutiny after awarding substantial stock grants to key figures aligned with former President Donald Trump, including Kash Patel and Linda McMahon, who are both nominated for significant government positions. Each recipient received approximately 25,946 shares, valued at around $826,000, as part of a compensation package for services rendered from late March to December 2024. Critics argue this intertwining of business and political interests could lead to potential conflicts of interest, especially as Patel is being vetted for the role of FBI director. Although Trump has transferred his major stake in Trump Media to a trust managed by his son to mitigate conflict concerns, the timing of these stock awards has raised questions about their propriety. Regulatory filings indicate that a portion of the awarded shares will not be available for sale until they vest over time, further complicating the ethical landscape. Overall, these developments highlight ongoing concerns regarding the ethical implications of Trump's business dealings in relation to his political appointments.