Former U.S. President Donald Trump's media and technology company, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp (TMTG), best known for operating the Truth Social platform, is now expanding into the nuclear energy sector.
The group announced on Thursday morning that it plans to merge with nuclear fusion startup TAE Technologies, forming "one of the world's first publicly traded nuclear fusion companies." The deal, valued at over $6 billion, will result in shareholders of both companies owning roughly half of the newly formed entity.
This is not TMTG's first foray into emerging industries—it previously announced cryptocurrency-related ventures. Following the news, TMTG's stock surged nearly 30% in pre-market trading on Thursday.
By merging with TAE, TMTG aims to capitalize on the growing demand for energy solutions driven by the AI boom. Major AI firms are increasingly turning to nuclear technology to power their energy-intensive models.
TMTG CEO Devin Nunes stated, "Fusion energy represents the most significant breakthrough in energy since the commercialization of nuclear power in the 1950s. This innovation will not only lower energy costs and increase supply but also help the U.S. maintain its AI leadership, revitalize manufacturing, and strengthen national defense."
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, nuclear fusion—which releases energy by fusing atomic nuclei—generates significantly more power than the fission technology currently used in nuclear plants.
Daniel Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, noted in a client report, "Notably, fusion facilities are classified as industrial sites rather than nuclear plants, streamlining construction and approval processes to under two years with no risk of nuclear leaks."
Ives also highlighted the scarcity of publicly traded nuclear energy firms, predicting that geopolitical competition will drive big tech companies to value nuclear energy players more highly.
He added, "The global race for clean energy is intensifying. Investors are focusing on nuclear, grid, solar, utilities, and traditional energy firms—key winners in the search for AI-ready power solutions that will also provide affordable, clean energy for the U.S."
TAE has raised over $1.3 billion in private funding from investors including Google, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Goldman Sachs. The company, founded in 1998, has built and operated five fusion reactors and holds more than 1,600 patents.
The merger, expected to close by mid-2026 pending shareholder and regulatory approvals, will see the combined company break ground on the world’s first utility-scale fusion power plant in 2026, with a capacity of 50 megawatts. Additional plants with capacities of 350–500 megawatts are also planned.
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