A gold-colored smartphone endorsed by the Trump family as a proudly American alternative to major brands has faced mounting criticism after hundreds of thousands of customers paid deposits but have yet to receive their devices months later.
The T1 Phone was introduced in June 2025 at Trump Tower by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Marketed under Trump Mobile, the device was positioned as a patriotic rival to established manufacturers like Apple and Samsung.
Priced at $499, customers were required to put down a $100 deposit to reserve the phone, with initial delivery promised for late summer 2025. However, nearly 600,000 advance orders reportedly generated close to $60 million in deposits, yet as of May 2026, no confirmed shipments have been made and no updated launch timeline has been provided.
In a significant development, Trump Mobile quietly removed claims from its website that the phone would be fully manufactured in the United States, raising doubts about the feasibility of domestic production at scale. Industry analysts had already questioned whether the U.S. possessed the necessary infrastructure to produce smartphones in large quantities.
Speculation has since arisen that manufacturing might instead occur in China, further fueling skepticism. Meanwhile, online users have pointed out that promotional images of the T1 bear a strong resemblance to existing Samsung models rather than showcasing an original design. Accessory maker Spigen hinted at potential legal action after social media posts revealed that its phone case appeared in marketing materials with altered branding to fit the T1.
Customer complaints have also mounted, with reports of billing errors and poor customer service. Journalist Joseph Cox described his experience attempting to pre-order the phone, citing website malfunctions and incorrect charges on his credit card. He further claimed that unauthorized payments appeared on his account without his consent.
Many buyers have voiced frustration over delayed refunds, unclear communication from support teams, and ongoing uncertainty about when deliveries will occur.
The controversy has attracted political scrutiny in the United States. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Robert Garcia, among other lawmakers, have called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether Trump Mobile engaged in deceptive advertising or unfair business practices. They questioned if consumers were misled by promises of American manufacturing and timely delivery for a product that remains undelivered.
Despite the backlash, Trump Mobile continues to offer wireless subscription plans priced at $47.45 per month. Meanwhile, the T1 smartphone, once touted as a flagship patriotic tech product, remains undelivered, leaving customers and observers awaiting further developments.
