How Much Does Trump’s New Mobile ‘T1 Phone’ Cost?

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Amid the painful controversies surrounding the protests erupting across the United States over ICE’s mass detentions (ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement), the Trump Organization has entered the wireless market. Donald Trump’s company has launched the «Trump Mobile» and its first branded smartphone: the T1 Phone.

Unveiled at Trump Tower on Monday, the gold-colored Android device will retail for $499, accompanied by a $47.45/month subscription plan dubbed the “47 Plan”—a nod to Trump’s second presidential term as the 47th President of the United States.

A Bold Entry Aimed at Conservative Consumers

The launch was announced by the former president’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, who emphasized the service’s patriotic branding and bundled benefits. The “47 Plan” includes unlimited calls, data, and international texting to more than 100 countries, along with telemedicine services and 24/7 roadside assistance—all wrapped in what the company says is “American-made” infrastructure and customer support.

“We want to have phones built by Americans, for Americans,” said Eric Trump in an interview on Fox Business. “We’re going to disrupt the space.”

 

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A $499 Price Tag — But Is It Really “Made in America”?

While the Trump Organization touts the T1 as “designed and built in the U.S.,” questions remain about the logistics. The smartphone’s specifications—6.8-inch display, 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB storage, dual cameras, fingerprint scanner and face recognition—rival high-end Android phones. Yet tech industry insiders have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such a device being manufactured domestically at that price point.

Eric Trump acknowledged that initial shipments might not be fully U.S.-made, but stated that the goal is to bring production home over time. «Eventually, all the phones can be built in the United States,» he said in a podcast interview.

Built on Major Networks, Powered by a Small Operator

The service itself will operate as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)—a reseller model that leases bandwidth from telecom giants Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Trump Mobile will be managed under the name T1 Mobile LLC, which uses the “Trump” brand under a trademark licensing agreement. However, the Trump Organization clarified that it is not directly involved in manufacturing or network operations.

Ethics Concerns Resurface

The launch has reignited concerns over potential conflicts of interest. Although Trump claims his business holdings are managed by a trust run by his children, critics argue that these ventures still enrich him financially.

“President Trump considers the presidency a vehicle to grow his family’s wealth,” said Harvard law professor Lawrence Lessig. Ethics groups also warn that businesses may feel pressure—either to align with or avoid competition against Trump-branded products, especially under an administration known for policy retaliation.

Can Trump Mobile Compete?

Despite the patriotic packaging and bold rhetoric, experts note that MVNOs typically hold only a 3–4% share of the U.S. wireless market, and customer churn is high. Unless Trump Mobile reaches at least one million subscribers, analysts say, its financial impact is likely to be minimal.

Still, the Trump family is betting big. The T1 Phone is scheduled to begin shipping in August or September, with preorders now open on the Trump Mobile website. The company is requiring a $100 down payment, and promotional images show the device emblazoned with Trump’s signature slogan: “Make America Great Again.”

Whether the venture becomes a serious tech player or joins the list of Trump-branded flops like Trump Vodka or Trump Steaks remains to be seen. But for now, Trump Mobile is dialing straight into the hearts—and wallets—of his base.