The Trump Organization has unveiled plans to launch a gold-colored smartphone and mobile phone service under the Trump brand, reigniting debates over ethics, influence, and feasibility.
The move, announced by the former U.S. president’s family business, proposes selling a “Made in the USA” handset for $499, alongside a monthly plan priced at $47.45 — a nod to Donald Trump’s status as the 45th and 47th president.
“This is yet another way for President Trump to personally profit while in office,” said Meghan Faulkner of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), citing ongoing concerns about conflicts of interest and potential corruption.
The Trump phone, dubbed the “T1 Patriot,” is being marketed as a product that reflects “American values” and offers U.S.-based customer support, along with discounted international calls for military families.
However, supply chain experts are casting doubt on the claim that the phone is “built in the United States.”
“You would need a miracle,” said Professor Tinglong Dai of Johns Hopkins University, who noted the U.S. lacks the domestic supply chain to produce smartphones from scratch. Other analysts suggest the phone will likely be assembled in the U.S. using foreign parts, allowing the Trump Organization to loosely justify its patriotic branding.
The venture follows a broader Trump-branding strategy that includes bibles, sneakers, and even cologne — part of a business boom driven by Trump’s loyal following. According to Forbes, Trump’s net worth has
more than doubled to $5.1 billion in the past year, largely due to the success of his Truth Social platform.
No launch partner has been disclosed, and critics warn the venture blurs the line between public service and private gain — yet again.
