Former US President Donald Trump's net worth has increased by over USD 200 million, following his announcement that he will not sell shares in his social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp, despite the expiration of a six-month lock-up period.

 

In a press conference, Trump stated that he "has no intention of selling" his shares in Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of his social media platform Truth Social.

 

Trump's remarks had a positive impact on the company's stock, which closed up approximately 12 percent at USD 17.97 on Friday. This surge led to a USD 217 million increase in Trump's net worth, bringing it to USD 3.9 billion.

 

The jump in stock price represents a rebound from Wednesday’s low, when shares closed at USD 16.68 following Trump's debate with Vice President Kamala Harris the previous day.

 

Trump will be able to sell his approximately 60 percent stake in the company starting September 19, provided the stock remains above USD 12 per share, or on September 25, after the six-month lock-up period. However, Trump has pledged to retain his shares, expressing his satisfaction with them, according to CNN.

 

NASDAQ halted trading of Trump Media shares twice on Friday, which frustrated Trump. He accused the exchange of damaging the stock and vowed to "hold NASDAQ, and possibly the SEC, accountable for their actions."

 

This is not the first time NASDAQ has halted trading of a stock amid volatility. The rebound in Trump Media's stock comes after a period of poor performance since March, when it peaked at USD 66.22 per share.

 

Trump's net worth is heavily tied to the performance of Trump Media, causing significant fluctuations throughout the year in response to news of his criminal indictments and assassination attempt. In May, when the stock price reached USD 54, Trump's net worth peaked at USD 8.2 billion.

 

Speculation has persisted for months about when and if Trump would sell his 60 percent stake in Trump Media, with company warnings that such a sale could increase volatility or lower the stock price if "restricted stockholders" sold their shares.