Trump Mobile faces fresh delays as US-made smartphone plans falter

Trump Mobile, the phone company launched by the Trump Organization, has delayed plans to ship its gold-coloured smartphone by the end of this year, marking another setback for the project. The company had initially promised a US-made device priced at $499 but has since scaled back those ambitions amid production and delivery challenges.

Trump Mobile delays T1 smartphone delivery

Trump Mobile’s customer service team told the Financial Times that the recent US government shutdown had delayed deliveries of the phone. It said there was a “strong possibility” the device would not be shipped this month. The T1 smartphone was originally scheduled for launch in August before being pushed back to the end of the year.

The T1 device, announced alongside a mobile plan costing $47.45 per month, was unveiled in June as part of several efforts by the Trump family business following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

Scaling back ‘Made in America’ claims

Trump Mobile initially claimed the T1 would be “built in the United States,” requiring a $100 pre-order payment. Supply chain analysts and industry experts expressed scepticism, noting that producing a mass-market smartphone using only US components would be near impossible due to heavy reliance on Asian supply chains.

Within weeks, Trump Mobile softened its stance, changing its promotional language to say the device would be “brought to life in the United States.” IDC estimates show that less than 5 per cent of iPhone components are currently manufactured in the US.

Trump Mobile turns to second-hand devices

More recently, Trump Mobile has begun offering second-hand smartphones from Apple and Samsung. It sells the iPhone 15, launched in 2023, for $629, while a new iPhone 16 costs $699 when bought directly from Apple.

The company also offers second-hand Samsung S24 models for $459, slightly cheaper than Samsung’s own refurbished price of $489. Trump Mobile says these devices are available “without the inflated price tag.”

Low profile leadership and partnerships

Since the June launch event, the Trump Mobile team has kept a low profile. Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump said they had partnered with “some of the greatest people in the industry” to address what they called lacklustre performance in the mobile sector.

Executives introduced included Pat O’Brien, Eric Thomas and Don Hendrickson. Thomas owns a Utah-based real estate firm, Olympus Constructors. O’Brien is president of Ensurety Ventures, which operates Trump Mobile’s customer service line. Hendrickson is listed as an executive at Liberty Mobile Wireless, the Florida-based virtual network operator supplying the Trump Mobile plan.

Trump Mobile’s delayed smartphone launch highlights the challenges facing its scaled-back ambitions, from production hurdles to shifting claims around US manufacturing. With the T1 device now uncertain and a pivot towards second-hand phones, Trump Mobile continues to adjust its strategy amid growing scrutiny.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Trump Mobile?
Trump Mobile is a phone company launched by the Trump Organization offering a branded smartphone and mobile plan. It was announced in June alongside a $47.45 monthly service. The company aimed to compete with major brands like Apple and Samsung.

Why has Trump Mobile delayed its smartphone launch?
Trump Mobile said the recent US government shutdown delayed deliveries of its T1 smartphone. Customer service representatives indicated the device may not ship this month. The launch had already been pushed back from August to the end of the year.

Is the Trump Mobile phone made in the United States?
Trump Mobile initially claimed the T1 would be built in the United States. After criticism from industry experts, it changed its wording to say the phone would be “brought to life in the United States.” Analysts note that most smartphone components are sourced from Asia.

What phones does Trump Mobile sell now?
In addition to the delayed T1 device, Trump Mobile sells second-hand phones from Apple and Samsung. These include the iPhone 15 and Samsung S24 models. The company markets them as cheaper alternatives to buying new devices.

Who runs Trump Mobile?
Trump Mobile executives include Pat O’Brien, Eric Thomas and Don Hendrickson. The mobile plan is supplied by Liberty Mobile Wireless, a Florida-based virtual network operator. The company has provided limited public details about its leadership team.