Former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has sold between $1 million and $5 million worth of Trump Media & Technology Group stock, triggering scrutiny over the transaction's timing and potential ethical implications. The stock sale occurred on April 2, 2025, coinciding with President Donald Trump's announcement of substantial new tariffs that precipitated a market downturn.
Bondi's financial disclosure forms reveal the transaction, though the precise timing relative to market closure remains unclear. Her prior consultancy role with Digital World Acquisition Corp., the special purpose acquisition company responsible for taking Trump Media public, adds complexity to the transaction's context.
As a former attorney general, Bondi was legally required to divest her holdings within 90 days of her confirmation. The specific circumstances surrounding this stock sale have prompted calls for further investigation into potential conflicts of interest and adherence to ethical guidelines.
The transaction occurs against the backdrop of Trump Media & Technology Group's ongoing efforts to establish itself as a platform promoting free expression through its flagship product, Truth Social. As of May 21, 2025, the company's stock was trading at $19.45, representing a 2.1% increase from the previous closing price.
The stock sale raises significant questions about transparency, insider trading regulations, and the intersection of political connections with financial markets. Investors and regulatory watchdogs are closely monitoring the situation to determine whether any impropriety occurred during the transaction.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges facing media and technology companies with close political affiliations, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining clear boundaries between public service, corporate interests, and personal financial activities.
