After a nine-month delay, the Trump Mobile "T1" smartphone was finally dispatched this week to pre-order customers and some media members. However, the device has sparked controversy as it is no longer marketed as "Made in the USA" and features an American flag design with only 11 stripes instead of the official 13.
Design and Manufacturing Concerns
The gold-plated Android phone, priced at $499, was initially promoted as "Made in the USA" in June 2025. Trump Mobile has since altered the language on its website to "designed with American values in mind." CEO Pat O'Brien told USA Today that the phones are "assembled" in the U.S. and will use components "primarily manufactured in America." However, tech experts at NBC News noted that the device closely resembles an HTC U-24 Pro, which is manufactured in Taiwan. Shahram Mokhtari, an engineer at iFixit, confirmed the similarity, and tech outlet The Verge also reported that the phone is likely a rebranded HTC U-24 Pro.
Flag Design Error
The American flag on the back of the handset reportedly has only 11 stripes instead of the correct 13, which represent the original thirteen colonies. Dominic Preston of The Verge remarked, "The 13 stripes represent the 13 colonies that broke away from British rule to fight for independence, so you probably shouldn't just lop two of them off." Critics were quick to mock the error on social media, with fintech entrepreneur Sheel Mohnot calling it "hilarious (& sad!)" and Melanie D'Arrigo, a health advocacy group executive, describing the phone as "an overpriced, outdated phone, preloaded with propaganda."
Trump Mobile Venture
Trump Mobile is a family venture co-founded by President Trump's sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, whose photo is prominently displayed on the company's website. The T1 phone was expected to launch in August 2025 but faced repeated delays. O'Brien defended the delays, stating they "were worth it in our minds as we are delivering an amazing product." To order, customers must provide a $100 refundable deposit and join a waitlist for the $499 handset, which is described as a "promotional price." Additionally, a monthly plan costs $47.45.
Regulatory Scrutiny
In January, a group of Democratic senators led by Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren demanded the Federal Trade Commission investigate Trump Mobile over concerns about potentially misleading marketing related to prepaid deposits and claims about the phone's U.S. manufacturing. Beyond the T1, Trump Mobile offers other devices, including "renewed" Samsung and Apple models, and allows customers to bring their own phones to the network.
The Independent has contacted the Trump Organization for comment. The phone comes pre-loaded with Truth Social, and NBC News summarized its review on social media: "We tested the Trump Mobile phone. It was 9 months late, comes pre-loaded with Truth Social, and is no longer 'Made in the USA.'"
