Key Takeaways
- Trump Media (DJT) has reached a confidential settlement resolving all legal disputes with former SPAC CEO Patrick Orlando and ARC Global Investments II LLC.
- SpaceX is targeting as early as July 23, 2026, for the 13th flight test of its Starship launch system following a recent launch-pad abort.
- U.S. Equity Futures remained largely flat in early Sunday evening trading, with S&P 500 futures holding steady and Nasdaq 100 futures edging up 0.1%.
- The Trump Media settlement effectively removes a significant overhang of legal uncertainty regarding the company’s 2024 merger and equity distribution.
- Starship Flight 13 will attempt to deploy 20 Starlink V3 satellites and perform a critical in-space Raptor engine relight.
Trump Media Clears Legal Hurdle with Confidential Deal
Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT), the parent company of Truth Social, announced on July 19, 2026, that it has mutually resolved all pending legal claims with Patrick Orlando and ARC Global Investments II LLC. The settlement, the terms of which remain confidential, brings an end to a series of high-profile disputes stemming from the company's merger with the SPAC Digital World Acquisition Corp.
The resolution is expected to provide TMTG with greater operational stability as it continues to expand its digital ecosystem, including the Truth+ streaming service and Truth.Fi fintech brand. Investors have closely watched these legal proceedings, as they involved allegations of breach of contract and disputes over the conversion rate of sponsor shares. By clearing these hurdles, the company can now focus its resources on its stated mission of providing a "free speech" alternative to mainstream social media platforms.
SpaceX Targets July 23 for Starship's 13th Test Flight
SpaceX has updated its launch window for the 13th Starship flight test, now targeting as early as July 23, 2026. This new date follows a scrubbed attempt on July 16, when the vehicle's flight software triggered an automatic abort at T-0 due to four Raptor engines failing to meet starting parameters. CEO Elon Musk later confirmed that two engines would be replaced to ensure a successful mission.
The upcoming flight will utilize Booster 20 and Ship 40, representing the latest "Version 3" hardware. The mission's primary objectives include a controlled splashdown of the Super Heavy booster in the Gulf of Mexico and the deployment of 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites. Additionally, the mission aims to demonstrate an in-space relight of a Raptor engine, a maneuver essential for future orbital deorbiting and deep-space missions.
Market Outlook: Futures Hold Steady Amid Global Volatility
U.S. stock index futures showed little movement in early trading on Sunday evening. S&P 500 futures were virtually unchanged, while Nasdaq 100 futures saw a modest gain of 0.1%. This quiet start to the week follows a period of heightened volatility in the semiconductor sector and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Market participants are bracing for a heavy week of earnings reports and economic data, which could dictate the next major move for the major indices. While the S&P 500 has remained within striking distance of its all-time highs, the Nasdaq has faced pressure from a rotation out of large-cap technology stocks. Traders will be looking for signs of a broader market recovery as the Federal Reserve's next policy meeting approaches.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.