Asger Risom
As the ‘Golden Phone’ fails to materialise, Americans must once again come to terms with the idea of being scammed by Trump, the President.
He’s done it again.
A smartphone venture launched by the Trump Organization is facing mounting criticism as customers wait for devices that still haven’t materialised. Complaints over unclear product details, shifting release dates and steep markups have intensified across social media.
The Independent and NBC News have both reported that the phones on offer appear to be refurbished mainstream models rather than the “golden” handset originally promised. Quelle surprise.
Price doubts grow
Trump Mobile, introduced earlier this year by the Trump Organization under Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, advertised a flagship “T1” phone said to be built “for real Americans.”
But according to The Independent, the firm has yet to deliver such a device and has instead listed older Apple and Samsung phones at inflated prices. One model was reportedly sold for $225 more than its Amazon listing.
This prompts the thought: Are “real Americans” just the Trump family’s definition of easy prey?
The company had initially promoted the T1 as “MADE in America,” but industry experts, cited by The Independent, noted that the facilities claimed to be producing the handsets do not exist. Despite this, Trump Mobile’s social channels showed a single gold prototype earlier in the year.
Devices currently for sale include Samsung S23 and S24 models, along with Apple’s iPhone 15 and 16. The brand also markets a SIM-only plan under the Trump name.
Mounting customer frustration
Some of the sharpest criticism has come from users who preordered the phone months ago. NBC News reported that it placed a $100 deposit to follow the product’s progress but received “no proactive updates” from the company. Between September and November, the outlet said it made five calls seeking answers.
Customers were at one point told to expect delivery on November 13, before the date moved to early December. As of December 6, NBC News confirmed it still had not received the device.
One online critic referenced NBC’s findings while calling the scheme a “scam,” adding, “They ordered a phone and paid the required $100 deposit, but the company keeps changing the release date now.”
Promises unmet
Back in June, Trump Mobile stated the T1 would ship in August and stressed that both call centres and manufacturing would be based in the United States.
Those claims have since been diluted or removed, with NBC News noting that references to “Made in the USA” disappeared from the company’s platforms.
Amid the delays, accusations and confusion, the phone that sparked the hype remains unavailable — and many customers say they are still waiting for answers.
The Independent, NBC
