Trump’s controversial new gold-colored smartphone has gotten another major setback.
Trump Mobile has delayed the launch of its flagship gold-colored smartphone, the T1, pushing back plans that initially targeted a release by the end of the year. The phone was unveiled over the summer as part of a broader Trump-branded mobile service venture tied to the business empire of Donald Trump. Marketed as a bold alternative to Apple and Samsung, the device was priced at $499 and wrapped in heavy patriotic messaging aimed at conservative consumers.
According to Financial Times, the delay is tied to a mix of logistical and regulatory issues, including disruptions caused by the recent federal government shutdown. Customer service representatives for Trump Mobile have reportedly told customers that shipments may not begin until January 2026, though no firm date has been publicly confirmed by the company.
The T1 phone drew immediate attention, and skepticism, after Trump Mobile initially promoted it as “Made in the USA.” Industry experts quickly pushed back, noting that modern smartphones rely on global supply chains, especially for chips and display components. In response, the company quietly revised its language, now saying the device is “brought to life in the United States,” a shift that raised eyebrows across the tech world.
Customers interested in the phone were asked to place a $100 deposit. The service side of the business includes a monthly plan priced at $47.45, a not-so-subtle reference to Trump’s presidential number. While waiting on the T1, Trump Mobile has begun offering refurbished Apple and Samsung devices on its website.
The delay highlights the uphill battle of launching a new smartphone brand, especially one built around political branding and ambitious manufacturing promises. Whether the gold phone ever finds its audience remains an open question.
