As the tech world buzzes with excitement in Las Vegas this week, where CES is showcasing all sorts of shiny new gadgets from folding screens to AI-powered everything, one particular device that's been hyped for months is conspicuously missing.
That would be the golden smartphone from Trump Mobile, the T1, which the Trump family's business venture promised would hit the market last year. People who follow these things are starting to wonder if it'll ever show up at all.
“It's probably tougher than they expected.
This whole situation highlights just how dominated the smartphone world is by a handful of companies. Breaking in with something new, especially one tied to a brand that's more about politics and real estate than tech, was always going to be an uphill battle.
Hyped Launch Turns into Prolonged Delays Amid CES Spotlight
Back in June, when the Trump Organization rolled out Trump Mobile as a new wireless service, the big draw was supposed to be this upcoming phone. They talked it up as a gold-finished handset priced at around $500, which sounds like a steal next to the latest iPhones that can run you a grand or more. The plan was to have the T1 ready for customers by August or maybe September. It was pitched hard as something "proudly designed and built in the United States," appealing to folks who want American-made products.
But things started shifting pretty quickly. Not long after the announcement, the language on their website changed. Suddenly, it wasn't about being fully manufactured here anymore. Instead, they called it "proudly American" or having an "American-proud" design. No real details on what that means, though. Experts in the industry figured this was because pulling off true U.S. production for a modern smartphone under a thousand bucks is incredibly tough. The whole supply chain for these devices—chips, screens, batteries—is mostly overseas, especially in Asia.
Then came the delays on the release timeline. At first, it was vague but still pointing to sometime in late 2025 for people who'd already put down $100 deposits.
Recently, though, some info trickled out through customer service. Reps have reportedly told inquiring buyers that the phone might finally ship in late January, pinning the blame on that long government shutdown we had last year—something like 43 days that apparently messed with FCC approvals and other regulatory stuff.
The Trump Organization hasn't said much publicly about what's going on. They didn't respond to questions from reporters asking for updates on the holdups or a new shipping date. Outlets like The Associated Press, The Verge, and others have sent inquiries, but so far, it's been radio silence from the official side.
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Shifting Focus to Service and Refurbished Devices
In the meantime, Trump Mobile isn't sitting idle. They've been pushing their monthly service plan hard—it's $47.45, a nod to Trump's presidential numbers, 45 and 47. And for people who want a phone right away, they're offering refurbished older models from Apple and Samsung, priced between about $370 and $630. That's a smart move to keep revenue coming in, but it also makes you wonder if the focus has shifted away from launching their own device.
One analyst from International Data Corporation, Francisco Jeronimo, wasn't shocked by all this. He said they've been doubtful from the start, figuring the team might have underestimated how complicated and expensive it is to get a smartphone to market. "It's probably tougher than they expected," he put it. And yeah, he even suggested maybe they're better off sticking with reselling refurbished units instead of trying to compete head-on with the giants.
Add in the patriotic manufacturing angle, and the challenges multiply. Remember how Trump, back in his first term, pushed Apple to bring iPhone production stateside? It didn't happen in a big way because the infrastructure just isn't there yet for affordable, high-volume assembly.
Preorder Frustrations and Market Realities
People who've put money down on preorders are probably the most frustrated right now. That $100 deposit is refundable, at least, but waiting months past the original dates isn't fun. Some might be holding out because they like the idea of a flashy gold phone with Trump branding—maybe etched with an American flag or slogans. Others could be drawn to the service perks, like unlimited data or extras bundled in.
Looking broader, this fits into a pattern of Trump-related products that leverage the name for merchandising. There are watches, shoes, Bibles, you name it. The mobile service and phone were meant to tap into that loyal base, folks who want to support anything associated with the family. But turning that enthusiasm into a viable tech product is another story. The wireless plan runs on existing networks—it's an MVNO, basically reselling access—so that's straightforward. Hardware? That's where the real headaches come in: sourcing parts, quality control, software optimization, certifications.
As CES unfolds with announcements from Nvidia, AMD, and all the usual suspects pushing boundaries in AI and gadgets, the absence of the T1 stands out. No booth, no demos, no hands-on reviews. Just silence from the Trump side.
Potential Niche Appeal Versus Vaporware Skepticism
People who've put money down on preorders are probably the most frustrated right now. That $100 deposit is refundable, at least, but waiting months past the original dates isn't fun. Some might be holding out because they like the idea of a flashy gold phone with Trump branding—maybe etched with an American flag or slogans. Others could be drawn to the service perks, like unlimited data or extras bundled in.
Looking broader, this fits into a pattern of Trump-related products that leverage the name for merchandising. There are watches, shoes, Bibles, you name it. The mobile service and phone were meant to tap into that loyal base, folks who want to support anything associated with the family. But turning that enthusiasm into a viable tech product is another story. The wireless plan runs on existing networks—it's an MVNO, basically reselling access—so that's straightforward. Hardware? That's where the real headaches come in: sourcing parts, quality control, software optimization, certifications.
As CES unfolds with announcements from Nvidia, AMD, and all the usual suspects pushing boundaries in AI and gadgets, the absence of the T1 stands out. No booth, no demos, no hands-on reviews. Just silence from the Trump side.
An Uphill Battle in a Dominated Industry
This saga isn't over yet. Late January could bring shipments, or more excuses. Either way, it's got people talking—not just about the phone, but about what it takes to disrupt an industry that's notoriously hard to crack.
Trump Mobile might find success with service and refurbs alone, or they could surprise everyone with a late arrival. Time will tell, but right now, that gold gleam is still just a promise.
Apple and Samsung own most of the premium market, with Google and a few Chinese brands nibbling at the edges.
Even big players like Apple have struggled to move production back home.
The T1's story underscores the challenges of entering the smartphone hardware space.
Benjamin Hayes
Business Journalist
Benjamin Hayes is a seasoned business journalist with a special focus on corporate finance, global markets, and entrepreneurial trends. He has covered major startups, tech investments, and economic shifts in multiple sectors.
