Trump Media stock surges more than 40% on surprise merger with power firm TAE

Group 1 - Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) stock increased by 41% following the announcement of a merger with TAE Technologies, indicating a strategic move towards addressing energy demands from AI and data centers [1][2] - The merger is valued at over $6 billion and represents a significant investment in fusion technology, which is carbon-free and produces less radioactive waste compared to traditional nuclear power [2] - The deal includes an immediate cash payment of $200 million at signing, with plans for the combined company to begin construction of its first utility-scale fusion power plant in 2026 [2][3] Group 2 - Under the merger terms, shareholders of TMTG and TAE will each hold approximately 50% of the new entity, with TMTG serving as the holding company for Truth Social and TAE [3] - The focus on energy independence and dominance has been a priority for the Trump administration, with recent announcements from the Department of Energy highlighting a roadmap for fusion energy [4] - Wall Street strategists have identified energy as a critical bottleneck for AI and data center infrastructure, leading hyperscalers to secure direct deals with power companies to meet their energy needs [5]