Trump Organization Launches Trump-Branded Smartphone Service

Trump's family business ventures into mobile service with a new smartphone line.

The Trump Organization is poised to enter the competitive mobile phone market with its upcoming Trump-branded smartphone, offering a unique twist on branding and potential ethical dilemmas.


The Trump Organization has announced its exciting new venture into the mobile phone market, launching a Trump-branded smartphone service. This effort aims to capitalize on former President Donald Trump's name, with the company planning to sell a gold-colored smartphone assembled in the United States for $499. The accompanying mobile service will cost $47.45 monthly, intentionally echoing Trump's presidential tenure, as he served as both the 45th and 47th president.

The announcement, made by Trump's sons who currently manage the business, has drawn scrutiny from ethics watchdogs, suggesting this venture could spark conflicts of interest and potential corruption. Meghan Faulkner, communications director for the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), commented, “It’s astonishing that the Trump family has devised yet another scheme for President Trump to financially benefit while in office.”

The specifics of the phone's production, including the claim of being "built in the United States," have been questioned by tech experts who caution that it's nearly impossible to manufacture smartphones entirely from American components. Professor Tinglong Dai, an operations management expert, highlighted the unlikely nature of producing such a device, pointing out, “They don't even have a working prototype. It is extremely doubtful this can be achieved.”

The launch of this service coincides with Trump's attempts to persuade Apple CEO Tim Cook to shift iPhone production to the US, which could create further industry tension. Despite contentious assertions about manufacturing capabilities, analyst Leo Gebbie indicated it might be feasible to assemble the device domestically using imported parts, allowing the Trump Organization to claim "American sovereignty."

As the announcement offers minimal details, including the identity of the licensor for the phone service, it claims to provide affordable options catering to American values. Furthermore, the service promises discounts on international calls for military families, emphasizing its commitment to serving the nation's needs, backed by US-based customer service.

Trump's foray into the mobile market is a strategic extension of his longstanding business model, which involves endorsing products in exchange for fees and royalties. This latest endeavor adds to Trump's already substantial financial portfolio, which has reportedly surged to $5.1 billion, primarily supported by his "diehard following" and the enduring success of his social media platform, Truth Social.

The American mobile phone landscape is currently dominated by major players like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, who offer competitive prices starting under $40. The competition is fierce, with numerous smaller companies striving to attract niche customer bases, demonstrating both the viability and challenges of the Trump Organization’s new venture into mobile services.