A few weeks ago, US President Donald Trump’s Trump Organization came up with the idea of launching its mobile network service, called Trump Mobile. At the time, the company’s motto of selling an all-American phone was said to be fulfilled by the T1 Phone – a brand new phone that drew a lot of criticism. While the T1 Phone is yet to be a real thing, Trump Mobile has started to sell other pre-owned phones as part of the package.
The company is facing a lot of scrutiny for selling refurbished, three-year-old iPhone 14 and the two-year-old iPhone 15 models at prices that are inflated above current market values. The internet was quick to point out that these overpriced phones are undercutting the brand’s promise of delivering performance “without the inflated price tag.”**
Trump Mobile selling expensive used iPhones
In its new online store, Trump Mobile is offering a ‘Renewed Apple iPhone 14 for $489. This price is approximately 45% higher when compared to the average renewed price of $335 for a refurbished iPhone 14, usually found on major retail platforms like Amazon. This goes on to show that the company is asking consumers to pay a substantial premium solely for the associated branding and political messaging.
Similarly, the company is selling a refurbished iPhone 15 at $629, a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 at $369 and a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24 at $459.
As far as product value or competitive pricing is concerned, Trump Mobile doesn’t seem to care about them at all.
The focus on selling used Apple and Samsung devices follows the troubled development of the company’s flagship product, the T1 Phone. The T1 was marketed as a premium smartphone “built by American hands”. Every public image of the T1 has been exposed as a digital fabrication—a mix of AI composites and photoshopped images of existing high-end phones, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max and a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Despite its non-existence, a pre-order for the T1 is available for $499 (with a $100 down payment). Analysts suggest that if the phone is ever delivered, it will be a rebranded, cheap Chinese-made Android clone, likely mimicking devices like the T-Mobile REVVL 7 Pro 5G, which retails elsewhere for approximately $180.
Is Trump Mobile worth considering?
For a lot less, you can look at newer iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models for much lower prices, provided you stick with other network operators. The iPhone 16 is now available at a highly discounted price and for those willing to spend even lesser, they can look at the iPhone 16e.
