Trump Organization Launches New Mobile Phone Service and Smartphone

The Trump Organization, managed by Donald Trump’s sons, has announced plans to enter the mobile phone market with a Trump-branded smartphone and wireless service. The new venture includes a gold-colored smartphone priced at $499 and a monthly service fee of $47.45 – a nod to Donald Trump’s terms as the 45th and 47th president of the United States.

The company claims the phone is “built in the United States,” a statement met with skepticism from industry experts who say manufacturing a fully American-made smartphone is highly unlikely. According to supply chain analysts, assembling a phone entirely from U.S. components would be “virtually impossible” given current technology and supply limitations.

Ethics advocates have criticized the move as another way for the former president to profit while still in office, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and whether the venture could influence policy decisions related to the telecommunications industry.

Professor Tinglong Dai of Johns Hopkins University noted there is no working prototype and suggested that achieving the economies of scale needed for such a product would be a “miracle.” Analysts also pointed out that while the phone might be assembled in the U.S. with imported parts, fully manufacturing the device domestically is not currently feasible.

The Trump Organization did not provide details about its business partners involved in the mobile service or clarify how it defines “built in the United States.” The announcement promised affordable wireless service aimed at “hard-working Americans,” including discounted international calls for military families and U.S.-based customer support.

This new phone and service come as Trump continues to pressure Apple to manufacture iPhones domestically. Last month, he threatened to impose a 25% import tax on iPhones made outside the U.S.

Trump’s mobile service will enter a competitive market dominated by major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, which offer plans starting below $40 monthly. Smaller companies known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) also operate in niche markets with tailored offerings. For example, Mint Mobile, backed by actor Ryan Reynolds, was acquired by T-Mobile for $1.35 billion in 2023.

The Trump Organization’s mobile launch reflects the brand’s ongoing business expansion. Trump’s net worth has more than doubled recently, partly due to his loyal fan base and ventures like his social media platform Truth Social, which accounts for a significant share of his income.

The Trump Organization’s move into telecommunications adds a new chapter to the family’s broad licensing strategy, which has long included hotels, golf courses, and branded merchandise.