We just covered Donald Trump Stock Portfolio: 10 Best AI and Tech Stock Picks in 2026. Iridium Communications (NASDAQ:IRDM) ranks #8 (see Donald Trump Stock Portfolio: 5 Best AI and Tech Stock Picks in 2026). The stocks identified in this article are based on Trump’s financial disclosure filings released by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics. According to a statement from the Trump Organization cited by Reuters, Trump’s investment holdings are maintained through fully discretionary accounts managed by third-party financial institutions, which have sole authority over investment decisions.
Stock Performance Since Trade Date: +119%
Iridium Communications (NASDAQ:IRDM) operates a network of satellites orbiting Earth. The company generates revenue by charging subscribers for satellite communications services. These services include voice calls, data transmission, and Internet of Things tracking.
Who uses Iridium? Three main groups rely on the company. Governments, particularly the U.S. military, use Iridium for secure communications. Commercial businesses use it to monitor equipment in remote areas where traditional cell networks do not exist. Individual consumers buy satellite phones for emergencies and outdoor activities.
In May 2026, Iridium made a significant acquisition. Iridium Communications (NASDAQ:IRDM) purchased the remaining sixty-one percent of Aireon, an aviation surveillance company. Aireon operates a unique system. It tracks aircraft using satellites and provides complete global coverage. No competitor offers this capability. Aireon monitors approximately 190,000 flights daily. It collects detailed data, including aircraft location, altitude, speed, and identification. This acquisition positions Iridium in the high-growth aviation tracking market.
Iridium Communications’ (NASDAQ:IRDM) subscriber growth accelerated during the first quarter of 2026. Total billable subscribers reached 2.56 million, up from 2.44 million in the prior year period. Commercial subscribers drove nearly all this growth, increasing from 2.31 million to 2.43 million. Internet of Things subscribers, which track remote assets and collect data, expanded from 1.89 million to 2.02 million.
However, government subscribers declined from 133,000 to 121,000. This weakness creates a material risk. Iridium maintains an EMSS contract with the U.S. Space Force that requires renewal in late 2026 or 2027. Contract loss would significantly impact revenue.
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While we acknowledge the risk and potential of IRDM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than IRDM and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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