Trump Organization Enters Smartphone Market with Gold-Coloured “Made in USA” Device

In a bold new business move, the Trump Organization has announced its entry into the mobile phone market, unveiling plans for a Trump-branded smartphone and wireless service aimed at capitalizing on the former president’s political legacy and loyal following.

The new offering includes a gold-coloured smartphone priced at $499 (approximately ₹41,500) and a wireless plan costing $47.45 per month — a nod to Donald Trump‘s status as both the 45th and 47th U.S. president. The initiative, led by the Trump family business now managed by his sons, claims the device is “built in the United States,” though experts are casting doubt on the feasibility of that claim.

Ethics and Political Concerns

Ethics watchdogs have swiftly criticized the move, raising familiar concerns over potential conflicts of interest. Meghan Faulkner, communications director at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), stated, “This is yet another channel through which President Trump appears to be profiting while still active in politics.”

Though Trump claims to have divested himself from direct business operations by placing his assets in a trust managed by his children, critics argue that ventures like this could attract customers attempting to curry political favor or influence policy decisions.

The White House maintains that Trump continues to act in the best interests of the American people, despite the overlapping business and political spheres.

Can the Phone Be Truly “Made in America”?

The Trump Organization’s claim that the phone is manufactured in the U.S. has been met with skepticism from tech industry professionals. Tinglong Dai, a professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School, remarked, “It’s extremely unlikely. There’s no existing supply chain infrastructure in the U.S. capable of end-to-end smartphone production at scale.”

Leo Gebbie, a tech analyst at CCS Insight, added that while assembling a phone in the U.S. using imported components may be plausible, fully domestic manufacturing remains virtually impossible in the current economic and industrial climate.

Despite the ambitious claims, no working prototype of the phone has been revealed. The Trump Organization has also withheld details about its technology partners, mobile network affiliations, and sourcing for hardware components.

What’s Included in the Plan?

The Trump-branded wireless plan is being marketed as a premium service that aligns with “American values” and supports military families with discounted international calling options. The company promises U.S.-based customer service and reliability as part of its core features.

Pre-orders for the gold-coloured smartphone are already open, but no official launch date has been confirmed. The company has announced plans to launch the service by August, though insiders remain skeptical of that timeline.

A Continuation of Trump’s Branding Strategy

This new telecom venture echoes Donald Trump’s long-standing business model of monetizing his personal brand through licensing deals. Over the years, Trump has licensed his name for real estate projects, golf courses, and consumer products ranging from steaks to cologne.

Following his rise in politics, Trump’s brand has only grown more lucrative. His latest financial disclosure revealed that he earned over $600 million in 2024, with major contributions from Trump-branded merchandise such as bibles, sneakers, colognes, and watches.

In March 2025, Forbes estimated Trump’s net worth at $5.1 billion — more than double the previous year — attributing much of the growth to the surging valuation of Truth Social, the social media platform under the Trump Media & Technology Group.

A Crowded Wireless Market

The U.S. mobile service industry is dominated by giants like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, with basic plans starting below $40 per month. However, there’s a growing space for smaller operators called Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) — companies that lease infrastructure from major carriers while targeting niche audiences.

MVNOs like Mint Mobile, which was recently acquired by T-Mobile for $1.35 billion, have shown that there is potential in niche markets. Actor Ryan Reynolds, who held a 25% stake in Mint Mobile, reportedly walked away with a $300 million payout from the sale.

Whether the Trump Mobile venture can carve out a meaningful space in this competitive environment remains to be seen.

Final Thoughts

The launch of Trump Mobile represents yet another attempt by the Trump Organization to merge business with brand politics. While the plan taps into the loyalty of Trump’s base, it faces numerous logistical and ethical challenges.

As questions about the device’s production, network partnerships, and long-term viability remain unanswered, the coming months will determine whether this latest venture is a genuine market disruptor or merely a flashy branding effort.