A wireless service and a Trump-branded gold phone were announced with claims of American manufacturing and a release within a few months. Preorders began for a $499 device despite expert concerns that the promised specifications and timeline were unrealistic. An actual T1 phone later appeared, showing that the “made in America” claim was replaced with language about being designed with American values. Experts said the phone closely resembles an HTC model made in Taiwan. The release was also delayed by about eight or nine months, with inconsistent dates originally provided. The device’s features were described as basic and similar to low-cost phones, including a headphone jack and a logo with an incorrect number of stripes.
"Back in June 2025, Don Jr. and Eric held a press conference at Trump Tower to announce that they were launching Trump Mobile, a wireless service, and the “T1,” a Trump-branded gold phone. They claimed the phone would be made in America and would release in just a few months. People started placing preorders for the $499 device, even as experts pointed out that what the Trumps promised was “impossible.”"
"Is this phone actually made in America, as the Trump boys promised? No. The Trump Mobile website now says that the phone was merely, “Designed with American values in mind.” Tech experts told NBC News that it closely resembles the HTC U-24 Pro, which is made in Taiwan. Did this phone come out on time? Also no. It’s about eight or nine months overdue (the original press release and website listed inconsistent release dates)."
"Is there some design achievement that justifies the delay? Nope! It’s similar to a junky phone you can buy at Walmart for $200, according to CNN. Notable T1 features include a 3.5 mm headphone jack (which Cheung generously described as a “throwback”) and an American flag logo that has the wrong number of stripes (unless “TRUMP MOBILE” is supposed to be the 13th stripe)."
Read at Intelligencer
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