Andrew Dean Litinsky (born June 11, 1981) is a former The Apprentice contestant, an American nationally syndicated radio talk show host, political commentator, and media executive. Litinsky is a co-founder of Trump Media & Technology Group, with Wes Moss and co-founder of ZideLitinsky Media with film producer Warren Zide, producer of film franchises including American Pie and Final Destination.[1]

Andy Litinsky
Dean in 2011
Born
Andrew Dean Litinsky

(1981-06-11) June 11, 1981 (age 43)
EducationPine Crest School
Alma materHarvard University (BA)
Career
ShowAndy Dean Show
StylePolitical Talk & News
CountryUnited States

Education

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Litinsky graduated from Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2000; while in high school he placed first in the U.S. National Debate Championships in Extemporaneous Commentary Speaking.[2] In 2004, he graduated with honors from Harvard University with a degree in government.[3] While attending Harvard, Litinsky worked for Rick Davis, former political advisor to Senator John McCain.

The Apprentice and Donald Trump

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Litinsky appeared on the second season of The Apprentice in 2004. He was fired in week 12. In 2006, he was hired by Donald Trump to run his production company, Trump Productions.[4][5][6][7][8]

As the president of Trump Productions, Litinsky produced television shows with Trump, such shows include, Pageant Place on MTV, the Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump, and Ultimate Merger on TV One.[9]

In February 2021, Litinsky and Wes Moss, who also appeared on season two of The Apprentice, founded Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG),[10] with the suggestion of creating a social network, which later was launched as Truth Social in February 2022.[11] Litinsky left the company in 2022.[12]

In February 2024, United Atlantic Ventures (UAV), a partnership between Litinsky and Moss, sued TMTG for attempting to dilute their ownership stake by increasing the authorized stock from 120 million to 1 billion shares, thus lowering the value of UAV's shares from 8.6 percent to less than 1 percent.[10] The lawsuit mentions that Trump attempted to pressure Litinsky into giving his shares to Melania Trump and then, when he refused, tried to oust Litinsky.[13] In March 2024, Trump sued Litinsky and Moss for forfeiture of their stock, saying they mishandled and attempted to block attempts to take TMTG public for nearly two years.[14]

Litinsky and Moss won the ability to sell their stake in Trump Media & Technology Group in Delaware Federal Court on September 6, 2024 after they were granted summary judgment by Federal Court Judge Gregory B. Williams. UAV, Litinsky, and Moss prevailed over a stock transfer company, Odyssey Transfer and Trust Company.[15]

In September 2024, UAV sold most of its common stock in TMTG, approximately 11 million shares, which according to CNBC, was worth between $128 million and $170 million.[16][17]

America Now

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America Now with Andy Dean debuted on August 8, 2011.[18] The nationally syndicated radio show discussed politics, business, entertainment, and technology. It aired weekdays from 6pm to 9pm EDT.[19] The program aired nationally in Premiere Radio Networks syndicated 'Big 4' lineup with Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity.[20] Prior to the show, The Andy Dean Program was broadcast on WSB in Atlanta, Georgia.[21] While at WSB, Dean was one of the most frequently used guest hosts of the Herman Cain radio program, and served as a fill in host for national radio show host, Neal Boortz. Dean stepped down as host in August 2014 to run his show on ConnectPal, a social media site, formed in 2014 but dissolved in 2018. [11][22] Joe Pagliarulo replaced Dean as interim host.[23]

While host of America Now, Litinsky appeared on NBC's The Today Show, CNBC's Power Lunch, Fox News' America's News HQ and HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher.[24] After leaving America Now, he joined CNN as a Political Analyst and Commentator. [25]

References

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  1. ^ "ZideLitinsky Consulting + Productions".
  2. ^ "Extemporaneous Commentary National Champions: Speech, Debate: National Speech & Debate Association". Archived from the original on 2015-12-10. Retrieved 2015-12-08.. Extemporaneous Commentary National Champions.
  3. ^ Elena Sorokin. Trump Ousts Harvard Alum. The Harvard Crimson. November 29, 2004.
  4. ^ Stuart Elliott. Fired on Trump Show; Hired for a Pepsi Ad. New York Times. November 29, 2004.
  5. ^ Elwin Green. Entrepreneur's conference aimed at the young and hungry. Post-Gazette. May 30, 2008.
  6. ^ Colin Mahan. Mr. Trump goes to Hollywood. TV.com. July 5, 2006
  7. ^ Reuters. Trump, Apprentice loser going H'wood. Sify. July 6, 2006.
  8. ^ Fred Topel. Donald Trump Says The Apprentice's Future Is Still Rosie, Er, Rosey Archived October 5, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Hollywood.com. February 2, 2007.
  9. ^ Zeitchik, Steven (2007-06-20). "Trump, MTV pact on 'Pageant Place'". Variety. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  10. ^ a b Harwell, Drew (February 29, 2024). "Trump Media co-founders sue company, alleging a scheme to dilute shares". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Coster, Helen; Love, Julia (27 June 2022). "Politics trumps business in Truth Social's war on Big Tech". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2022-06-28. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  12. ^ Asher Hamilton, Isobel (June 29, 2022). "A fomer 'The Apprentice' contestant who first pitched Truth Social to Trump has left the company behind the app, report says". Business Insider.
  13. ^ Ramirrez, Nikki Mccann; Bort, Ryan (5 April 2024). "WTF Is Going on With Truth Social: A Timeline". Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  14. ^ Gregorian, Dareh (April 3, 2024). "Trump sues Truth Social co-founders, says they're not entitled to stock shares". NBC News. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  15. ^ "Stakeholder in Trump's Truth Social Parent Company Wins Court Ruling Over Share Transfer". U.S. News. Associated Press. 6 September 2024.
  16. ^ Mangan, Kevin Breuninger,Dan (2024-09-26). "Trump Media shareholder UAV dumped nearly 11 million shares". CNBC. Retrieved 2024-09-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ "Trump Media cofounders just dumped almost all of their stock". Yahoo Finance. 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  18. ^ Dinges, Gary (August 4, 2011). "New voice of talk radio young, full of energy". Austin American Statesman.
  19. ^ America Now with Andy Dean Archived 2011-09-10 at the Wayback Machine. Premier Radio.
  20. ^ "Andy Dean | Bio | Premiere Speakers Bureau".
  21. ^ WSB Weekender, Former 'Apprentice' Contestant Andy Dean Inked For Premiere Syndicated Talk Show; Jason Lewis Moves To Genesis. All Access Music Group. July 18, 2011.
  22. ^ Big, Smith (November 15, 2017). "ConnectPal, Subscription Platform, Continues to Attract Content Creators". My Venture Pad.
  23. ^ Heil, Emily (July 15, 2015). "Meghan McCain wants to 'drive the national conversation' on news-talk radio show: The senatorial offspring has a new hosting gig". The Washington Post.
  24. ^ "Guest List: June 27, 2014". 26 June 2014.
  25. ^ Mathis-Lilley, Ben (July 20, 2016). "CNN Analyst: Trump Jr. Gave One of the Greatest Speeches Ive Ever Seen, Could Also Be President". Slate. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
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