As the technology industry unveiled the latest gadgets at CES in Las Vegas last week, the Trump Organization’s much-anticipated golden T1 phone remained absent.
The T1 phone, first announced last June, was marketed as a $500 device “built in the United States.” The company aimed to release it in August or September 2025. However, the phone has yet to reach customers, missing multiple deadlines.
Despite the delays, Trump Mobile continues to accept $100 deposits for the device. The marketing description has also changed. The claim of U.S. manufacturing has been replaced with “American-proud design.” Analysts say this reflects the difficulty of building a smartphone entirely in the U.S. at an affordable price. Similar challenges prevent Apple from moving iPhone production from Asia.
The Trump Organization has not publicly explained the delay. A customer representative reportedly cited last year’s 43-day federal government shutdown and suggested that shipping might begin in late January.
“We have always been quite skeptical about this phone,” said Francisco Jeronimo, an analyst at IDC. “It is probably harder to build than they expected.”
For now, Trump Mobile focuses on selling wireless service for $47.45 per month, a nod to Trump’s 45th and 47th presidencies. The company also sells refurbished iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices priced between $370 and $630.
Analysts suggest the Trump Organization may be shifting its strategy. “Maybe they decided they are better off selling refurbished phones,” Jeronimo said.
The delay of the golden T1 phone highlights the challenges new players face in the smartphone market. Even with strong branding, producing a device in the U.S. remains a complex task. Trump Mobile’s continued focus on services and refurbished phones may reflect a more practical approach.
As tech fans explored CES, the absence of the golden T1 phone served as a reminder that ambitious projects often face real-world obstacles.
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