The wait for a Trump Mobile phone will now stretch into 2026 amid a barrage of logistical issues. The US First Family had made its telecom foray in June — vowing to offer cost-effective US-made devices that would compete with Apple and Samsung. Plans have been scaled back significantly since the initial announcement — with the company currently selling refurbished iPhones and Samsung devices at fractionally lower prices. The original promise of a ‘made-in-USA’ phone was also dropped in favour of the somewhat ambiguous assurance that it would be “brought to life in the United States”.
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump had appeared on stage to launch the new product in June — promising to begin delivery of its completely made-in-the-USA mobile phones within a matter of weeks. The plan had incurred immediate scepticism from several quarters as analysts highlighted heavy reliance on Asian supply chains and other factors. Meanwhile, the Trump Mobile website continued to collect a $100 down payment and promise delivery “later this year” — even on December 31.
According to a Financial Times report, Trump Mobile has now formally delayed plans to ship its gold-coloured smartphone by the end of this year. Customer service officials told the publication that the recent US government shutdown had delayed deliveries — admitting there was a “strong possibility” it would not be shipped this month. Trump Mobile officials had also relayed a similar explanation to NBC News more than a month earlier without additional details.
What do we know about the device?
The Trump Mobile was first announced as a device “built in the United States” — with a metallic golden case and a $499 price tag. The company initially indicated the T1 would be launched in August as it started a $100 pre-order payment scheme. According to its website listing, the device will have a 6.25-inch punch hole AMOLED screen, 120 Hz refresh rate, 50MP main camera, 5000mAh battery and other features.
Initial images on the website had featured an iPhone-like cluster of three cameras on its back. But an August update suggested that the company had completely overhauled the design and added additional rear cameras. A report by The Verge noted that this appeared to be an edited image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — including a Spigen case whose logo was left untouched. The phone case company had also taken note of the photos and suggested it would sue Trump Mobile.
Selling second-hand Apple, Samsung phones
Trump Mobile has started offering second-hand devices from Apple and Samsung in recent weeks — with its website adding that the gadgets came “without the inflated price tag”. The iPhone 15 is being sold for $629 while refurbished models of the Samsung S24 are priced at $459 on its website. A new iPhone 16 (launched last year) costs $699 if bought directly from Apple while the Samsung website sells its own second-hand S24 for $489.