Trump Family Business Delays Launch of Gold Smartphone Amid US Government Shutdown
Trump Mobile has delayed the delivery of its $499 gold-coloured T1 smartphone, with strong indications it may not be delivered this month. The shipments have been disrupted in part due to the US government shutdown. The Trump Organization licensed its name in June to launch the mobile service and the T1 device, a venture led by Donald Trump’s sons, Donald Jr and Eric.
The T1 smartphone is marketed as proudly American, presented as a US-made rival to major brands like Apple and Samsung, and features an American flag etching. However, the planned August launch did not materialize; the official site still lists the release as occurring later this year. Pre-orders require a $100 deposit. It remains unclear who will manufacture the T1 within the US, given the limited domestic smartphone production.
Trump Mobile offers a monthly service plan priced at $47.45—a figure referencing Trump as the 47th US president. Alongside the new phone, the company has begun selling secondhand Apple and Samsung smartphones as more affordable alternatives. Examples include a refurbished iPhone 15 at $629, iPhone 16 at $699, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 listed for $459 on Trump Mobile compared to $489 on Samsung’s own site.
Licensing deals reportedly generated more than $8 million for the Trump presidency in 2024. This business venture expands the Trump Organization’s presence into digital media and telecommunications. Nonetheless, the move into mobile phones raises questions about potential conflicts of interest given Donald Trump’s presidency and the regulatory nature of the telecommunications sector.
