How a Pirate-Clad Pastor Helped Ignite Trump Media's Market Frenzy

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Chad Nedohin, a part-time pastor, is among the fans of Donald J. Trump who helped turn Trump Media into a meme stock with volatile prices.

Chad Nedohin, a podcaster and part-time pastor in Canada, has urged people to invest in Trump Media & Technology Group and hold on to the stock.Credit...Amber Bracken for The New York Times

Published April 25, 2024Updated April 27, 2024

One afternoon last month, Chad Nedohin, a part-time pastor and die-hard supporter of Donald J. Trump, put on a pirate costume, set up his microphone and recited a prayer.

Mr. Nedohin was opening his latest livestream on the right-wing video site Rumble, where he has about 1,400 followers who share a devotion to Trump Media & Technology Group, the former president's social media company.

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"Faith comes from hearing — that is, hearing the good news about Christ," said Mr. Nedohin, 40, his face framed by fake dreadlocks under a pirate-style hat.

Mr. Nedohin and his viewers were waiting for the results of a merger vote that would determine whether Mr. Trump's company could start selling stock on Wall Street. Soon the news about Trump Media arrived via an audio feed: It was going public.

Mr. Nedohin raised his arms in celebration. A few minutes later, he cut to a video of a rocket blasting into the sky, with Mr. Trump photoshopped onto it. "We are holding Trump stocks," he declared. "We are now financial investors in him."

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