Trump Media is merging with a Google-backed fusion energy company in a deal worth $6 billion
Engadget9 hrs
Trump Media Merges With TAE in $6B Fusion Energy Deal
Is this fusion merger America's path to energy independence, or just another Trump cash grab disguised as innovation?
Above: A Truth Social logo on a smartphone. Image credit: Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
This merger creates America's first public nuclear fusion company, positioning the United States to lead the AI revolution and achieve energy independence. After falling behind China for decades, this deal represents an all-hands-on-deck moment to solve the energy constraints threatening U.S. technological dominance. TAE's 25 years of breakthroughs and guidance from five Nobel Laureates make this the most promising path to abundant clean energy.
Anti-Trump narrative
This merger looks like another Trump cash grab, with the president positioned to profit from an unproven technology that's never reached commercial viability. Nuclear fusion startups remain ripe for grift, with no serious examples of energy production far above break-even limits. Trump's pattern of lucrative side hustles — from Truth Social to crypto platforms — suggests this deal serves personal enrichment rather than national interest.