Trump Mobile's Golden Smartphones Delayed For Months After Launch, Reports Say

By Chris Spiker From Daily Voice

The Trump Mobile smartphone has yet to be released nearly six months after The Trump Organization first promised a golden device made entirely in the United States.

Investigations by NBC News and The Verge found that the "T1 Phone" has not been delivered after it was originally promoted with an August launch. Trump Mobile was unveiled on Monday, June 16, to coincide with the 10th anniversary of when President Donald Trump launched his first campaign.

The Android phone with a US flag on the back was listed at $499. "The 47 Plan" was touted as an unlimited talk, text, and data plan, costing $47.45 a month, with the price referencing Trump as the 45th and 47th President in US history.

Trump Mobile also claimed to offer telehealth options, military-friendly calling benefits, complete device protection, and 24/7 roadside assistance.

"Trump Mobile is going to change the game," Trump Organization executive vice president Donald Trump Jr. said in June. "We're building on the movement to put America first, and we will deliver the highest levels of quality and service."

Trump Mobile's launch comes as scrutiny grows over the Trump family's business dealings while Donald Trump is back in office. Trump has launched many products with his personal branding, including Bibles, sneakers, trading coins, and watches.

A memecoin called $TRUMP has also drawn criticism for potentially allowing Trump to receive bribes and other illicit cryptocurrency payments. The crypto industry has seen policy shifts like relaxed regulations and oversight during Trump's second term.

Reuters reported in June that Trump disclosed more than $600 million in income in 2024 from golf resorts, licensing deals, and crypto-related businesses. While Trump claims to have placed his assets into a trust managed by his children, critics say the earnings still flow back to him, creating serious conflict-of-interest concerns.

President Donald Trump talking on a smartphone aboard Air Force One on January 26, 2017.

Wikimedia Commons - The White House

NBC News ordered a T1 phone in August, but reported that it still hasn't received the device, despite paying a $100 deposit and receiving an order confirmation. After several attempts to get information through customer service, NBC News said that delivery has been pushed back again to the "beginning of December," with a representative blaming the government shutdown for the delay.

Trump Mobile's website has also removed any mention of the August launch date and is still collecting $100 deposits for the phone, purported to launch "later this year." The brand also deleted earlier claims that the T1 would be "Made in the USA," now advertising the phone as being "brought to life right here in the USA."

The design has also changed from the original promotional images showing a three-camera layout similar to an iPhone. A recent image posted on social media featured a different design with more than three cameras.

The Verge reported that the newer picture appeared to be an altered rendering of a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Case-maker Spigen suggested it might sue after recognizing one of its Samsung cases in the Trump Mobile image, but NBC News found no evidence of a lawsuit.

Industry experts remain skeptical of Trump Mobile's fully American-made claims. Todd Weaver, CEO of Purism, said it took six years for his company to create a supply chain for the only US-manufactured smartphone.

Despite earning a "Made in the USA electronics" label, the Liberty Phone still includes parts from Asia, Canada, and Europe.

"We actually had to go over to China with our designs, to learn the process, the manufacturing process, to see what are all the steps," Weaver told NBC News.

The wireless service itself is also struggling to launch, with reviewer Allison Johnson for The Verge saying she has been unable to get a SIM card after several weeks.

"Signing up for Trump Mobile's wireless service felt a little like engaging in espionage," Johnson wrote.

While the T1 remains unavailable, Trump Mobile is selling refurbished iPhones, which are primarily made in China, and Samsung devices, which come from South Korea.