Trump’s ‘American values’ phone no longer ‘Made In USA’

THE Trump-branded mobile phone is no longer being promoted as "Made in the USA", a key selling point when the idea was first introduced.

Instead, the device is now marketed as being "designed with American values", according to the Trumpmobile.com website, German news agency dpa reports.

“‘T1’ is not just another smartphone – it’s a bold step towards wireless freedom. Designed with American values, the T1 offers top-tier performance, sleek design, and impressive features – all without the inflated price,” the website states, as cited by Bernama-dpa.

"With the American touch in every device, we ensure meticulousness, precision and trusted quality in every detail," the statement continues.

The gold-coloured handset has also undergone design changes, with the size now reduced to 15.87 cm (6.25 inches) diagonally, down from 17.22 cm (6.78 inches). Its launch, originally planned for September, has been postponed to the end of the year.

Since its unveiling in June, the T1 has faced scrutiny, particularly over claims it could be produced within the United States at a retail price of US\$499 – a figure experts have deemed unrealistic due to the lack of large-scale domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Donald Trump has previously pushed for Apple to manufacture products in the US, at one point threatening tariffs to force the issue. However, technology analyst Dan Ives recently estimated that building an iPhone domestically would take years and could cost upwards of US$3,000.

Currently, most Apple products entering the US are manufactured in India rather than China, though nearly all smartphones globally are produced in Asia.

The T1 phone is being developed by a company called T1 Mobile LLC, which has licensed the Trump name. It was introduced in signature gold, a nod to Trump’s trademark style, with his sons Donald Jr and Eric Trump leading the launch announcement. - June 27, 2025