The Trump Organization has announced its latest business venture: a mobile phone company. The news comes while Donald Trump is serving as President, raising fresh concerns among ethics watchdogs who fear he may be leveraging public policy for personal gain.
Eric Trump, the President’s son and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, told reporters that the new company–named Trump Mobile–will sell phones manufactured in the United States. The mobile service, to be branded as T1 Mobile, will also operate a U.S. based call center, he added.
“Hardworking Americans deserve affordable. Wireless service that reflects their values and delivers reliable quality,” Eric Trump said in a statement.
The announcement comes just as President Trump has criticized Apple for planning to manufacture most of its U.S. market iPhones in India. The President threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Apple devices unless the company shift production to the U.S., a position consistent with his longstanding “America First” rhetoric and efforts to boost domestic manufacturing.
According to the Trump organization, the new smartphone will be priced at US$499. The new trump family’s mobile venture will operate using the networks of the three major U.S. wireless carriers-Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
Expectations and market outlook
Industry analysts are watching closely to see how Trump Mobile will position itself in a highly competitive market dominated by tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google. While the brand’s patriotic messaging and focus on U.S.-based manufacturing may resonate with a segment of conservative consumers, experts say the venture faces significant challenges, including high barriers to entry and limited technological innovation.
Critics have also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially if the Trump administration promotes policies that could directly benefit the family’s latest business venture.
Still, supporters of the former president see the new company as an extension of his brand and values. Some analysts even agree on the idea that for many Americans buying a Trump phone won’t just be about the device, it’ll be about making a political statement.
Whether T1 Mobile can gain meaningful market shares remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Trump family’s move into the tech sector is likely to fuel both commercial and political debate in the months ahead.
Donald Trump’s son is optimistic and confident that the business will be successful
Despite entering a highly competitive industry, the Trump Organization appears to have a clear vision and set goals for the projects, at least according to the details shared until now by Eric Trump.
“We are going to be introducing an entire package of product where people can come and they can get telemedicine on their phones for one flat monthly fee, roadside assistance on their cars, unlimited texting to 100 countries around the world,” said the president’s eldest son.
He also emphasized on how accessible the service will be, “the new networks will be available for a subscription price of US$47.45 per month, a reference to Trump, who was the 45thPresident in his previous term and is now serving as the 47th President.
Those who remain skeptical of the Trump’s family’s latest business venture point out that, so far, few details have been disclosed about the project. Many doubt the likelihood of its success–especially given the claim that the devices will be manufactured exclusively in the United States.
Industry experts highlight a key challenge: the U.S. currently lacks a comprehensive high-tech supply chain capable of supporting end-to-end production smartphones. Several technology analysts argue that while assembly may take place in the U.S., it is highly likely that critical components will still need to be imported from abroad.
Trump’s net worth has more than doubled
According to a recent BBC report analyzing the significant growth of former President Donald Trump’s wealth and the expansion of his personal brand over the past decade, much of that growth has coincided with his entrance into politics. The report highlights how Trump has leveraged his political profile to amplify his business ventures, despite ongoing controversies and legal battles.
The analysis also suggests that his personal brand evolved into a powerful political–commercial hybrid, allowing him to attract a loyal consumer base that extends beyond traditional market metrics. This patter, the report notes, could help explain the optimism surrounding the family’s lates endeavor.
BBC points out that in his most recent financial disclosure, Donald Trump reported making more than US$600 million last year, including millions from items such as Trump-branded bibles, watches, sneakers and fragrances.
Forbes in March estimated his net worth was US$5.1 billion, more than double what it was a year earlier.