Trump Mobile has delayed the planned release of its gold-colored smartphone, pushing back delivery of the $499 device that had been marketed for arrival before the end of the year.
The handset, known as the T1, was unveiled in June after Trump Organization licensed the Trump name for a new mobile phone service and device offering.
The move marked another commercial expansion by the Trump family business, now managed by President** Donald Trump**’s sons.
What Happened
According to a report by the Financial Times, Trump Mobile has warned customers there is a strong chance the phone will not ship this month.
Customer service representatives cited disruptions linked to the recent U.S. government shutdown as a factor affecting deliveries.
The T1 device had been promoted as an American-made alternative to smartphones produced by companies such as Apple and Samsung, despite the fact that nearly all phones sold in the U.S. are manufactured abroad, primarily in China and South Korea, with growing production in India and Vietnam.
Although the phone was initially expected to launch in August, Trump Mobile’s website continues to list the release as scheduled for “later this year.”
Customers are required to place a $100 deposit to reserve the device.
The phone features an American flag etched into its design and has been branded as “proudly American.”
Questions remain over where the T1 could ultimately be produced, given the limited capacity for domestic smartphone manufacturing in the United States.
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Why It Matters
The launch followed public criticism from President Trump toward Apple over plans to shift iPhone production for the U.S. market from China to India.
Alongside the handset, Trump Mobile offers a monthly service plan priced at $47.45, a figure referencing Trump’s position as the 47th U.S. president.
The company has also begun selling refurbished smartphones from Apple and Samsung through its website, promoting them as lower-cost alternatives.
Pricing comparisons show mixed value.
A refurbished iPhone 15, introduced in 2023, is listed at $629 through Trump Mobile, while Apple sells the newer iPhone 16 for $699.
A Samsung Galaxy S24 is priced at $459 on Trump Mobile’s site, slightly below Samsung’s own listed price.
The mobile business is overseen by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, who assumed control of the family enterprise after their father returned to the presidency.
The phone venture joins a growing lineup of Trump-branded products, including watches, footwear and Bibles, with additional launches reportedly planned.
The expansion reflects the Trump Organization’s broader shift beyond real estate into digital media and telecommunications.
These licensing-based ventures generated more than $8 million for the president in 2024, according to financial disclosures.
The move into mobile services has also drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, as the Trump family business operates within a sector regulated by federal agencies under presidential authority.
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