Trump Mobile Delays Launch of Gold T1 Smartphone Amid Government Shutdown Disruptions
Trump Mobile has delayed the release of its $499 gold T1 smartphone, with the company indicating a strong possibility that the device will not be delivered this month due to disruptions caused by the government shutdown. The T1, which is marketed as a "proudly American" product and positioned as a US-made rival to Apple and Samsung, was initially promised for an August launch and later stated on the website to be released "later this year."
The phone features an American flag etched on it, but manufacturing details remain unclear amid limited domestic smartphone production in the US. Customers wishing to pre-order the T1 are required to make a $100 payment.
Alongside the T1, Trump Mobile offers a $47.45 monthly mobile plan, named in reference to the 47th US president; the venture is managed by Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump. The company also sells refurbished iPhones and Samsung devices at claimed lower prices, such as a refurbished iPhone 15 at $629, iPhone 16 at $699, and Samsung Galaxy S24 at $459, compared with Samsung's official price of $489 for the Galaxy S24.
Licensing the Trump name to Trump Mobile generated over $8 million in 2024, as part of the Trump Organization's broader expansion into digital media and telecommunications. However, the launch raises conflicts-of-interest concerns given the Trump Organization's involvement in a highly regulated sector during Donald Trump's presidency.
The development of Trump Mobile follows Donald Trump's criticism of Apple for plans to move iPhone production from China to India.
