In June, Donald Trump’s sons introduced a new mobile phone, the T1, at Trump Tower. It was supposed to be a symbol of American manufacturing, featuring an American flag on its back. This launch coincided with the 10th anniversary of Trump’s presidential campaign.
The phone was set to hit the market in August, but three months later, there’s still no sign of it. In August, NBC News ordered a T1, confirming the payment and expecting updates. Instead, they received only vague responses about delays—first to November 13, then to early December. Customer support even pointed to a government shutdown as an issue.
The company had introduced a 5G service plan for $47.45 per month. This plan included unlimited talk, text, and data, along with telehealth services. However, details about the phone’s design have changed. The Trump Mobile website has quietly altered its language, now saying the phone is “brought to life right here in the USA” without mentioning the original “Made in the USA” promise.
Experts in the smartphone industry are skeptical about the feasibility of manufacturing a smartphone in the U.S. on the advertised timeline. Todd Weaver, founder of Purism, a company that makes the only U.S.-made smartphone, shared insights on the challenges. He noted that it took him six years to launch his product, requiring learning from manufacturers in China, and still, not all parts were sourced from the U.S.
In the meantime, Trump Mobile is selling refurbished iPhones and Samsung devices. Although Trump Mobile claims these phones are “brought to life” in the USA, this raises eyebrows given their origins.
The skepticism from experts is palpable. Manufacturing a smartphone typically involves extensive supply chains that are hard to localize entirely. It seems the T1 situation isn’t just about delays but a reflection of broader challenges in American manufacturing.
For those curious about the ongoing journey of the T1 phone, you can track updates through their official website.
