A promised golden smartphone from the Trump family business has failed to materialise, remaining conspicuously absent as the global tech industry unveils its latest gadgets at the CES trade show in Las Vegas this week.
From 'Made in USA' to Vague Promises
When the Trump Organisation launched its mobile service in June 2025, it heralded the forthcoming T1 phone as a device "proudly designed and built in the United States." Priced at an attractive $500, it was positioned as a patriotic and affordable alternative to premium Apple and Samsung models. The initial target for shipping to customers was set for August or September of that year.
However, the commitment to domestic manufacturing soon softened. The description shifted to a device that would be "proudly American" and now boasts of an "American-proud" design on the Trump Mobile website, without concrete details. Industry analysts believe this linguistic pivot acknowledges the stark reality that the US lacks the complex supply chain needed to produce a sub-$1,000 smartphone, the same logistical hurdles that have prevented Apple from moving iPhone production from China.
Shifting Dates and Unanswered Questions
The timeline for the T1's release has also become increasingly nebulous. While Trump Mobile continues to accept $100 deposits for the device, the promised delivery by the end of 2025 has passed without fulfilment. The company's website still lists the target release vaguely as "later this year."
The Trump Organisation did not respond to Associated Press requests for comment on the delays. A customer service representative reportedly told the Financial Times that shipping was now expected in late January 2026, blaming the delay on the 43-day federal government shutdown in 2025.
Analyst Skepticism and a Service-First Strategy?
The T1's ongoing absence has not surprised industry watchers. Francisco Jeronimo, an analyst at International Data Corp., stated, "We have always been quite skeptical about this phone." He suggested the company may have underestimated the difficulty of building a competitive handset, questioning if it would ever "come to life."
In the meantime, Trump Mobile has focused on selling its wireless service for $47.45 per month—a price nodding to Donald Trump's presidential numbers—and offering refurbished older iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models priced between $370 and $630. "Maybe they changed their strategy and figured out they are better off just selling refurbished phones," Jeronimo speculated.
As CES 2026 showcases tangible innovation, the Trump T1 serves as a reminder of the gap between ambitious tech announcements and the hard reality of product delivery in a fiercely competitive global market.
