Trump’s ‘made in USA’ T1 phone claim removed online amid scrutiny over Chinese manufacturing links

Donald Trump has many businesses, and this month he decided to add one more to his growing list of industries. Earlier this month, Trump Organisation unveiled the T1 smartphone—a sleek, gold-coloured device promoted as ‘Made in the USA’ and launched alongside a new wireless service called Trump Mobile.

Backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, the product was marketed with patriotic flair and priced at $499, complemented by a $47.45/month service plan that nods to Trump’s status as the 45th and 47th US president. But less than two weeks after its debut, the company's website has quietly dropped the ‘Made in the USA’ tagline, replacing it with vaguer descriptions like ‘American-Proud Design.’ What triggered this change? Let’s find out!

Trump mobile’s ‘Made in the USA’ claim under the microscope

Initially touted as a US-made product, the Trump T1 phone’s website prominently featured the label ‘MADE IN THE USA’ at launch.

However, the BBC has now reported that the wordinghad disappeared and promotional material had been revised. Now, the website refers to the phone as having an ‘American-Proud Design’ and claims it is ‘brought to life right here in the USA, with American hands behind every device.’

Despite the change, a Trump Mobile spokesperson told the BBC:

Speculation to the contrary is simply inaccurate.

They also reiterated that the company is excited to launch the phones later this year, adding that people could already switch to Trump Mobile using existing devices.

The change came just days after analysts pointed out strong similarities between the T1 and several low-cost smartphones made in China. According to a CNN report, tech experts like Max Weinbach and Todd Weaver noted that the T1 appears strikingly similar to the Revvl 7 Pro 5G, a phone made by Chinese manufacturer Wingtech, and also to the Vtex Smart Phone, sold on Made-in-China.com. Shared features reportedly include screen size, battery capacity, and camera setup, though no direct link between the Trump T1 and these models has been confirmed.

Analysts like Prof Tinglong Dai from Johns Hopkins University had already flagged the logistical challenges, saying:

They don't even have a working prototype. It’s extremely unlikely.

He added:

You would have to have a miracle.

Trump’s personal interest v/s political position

Beyond manufacturing questions, the launch has reignited familiar ethical debates surrounding the intersection of Trump’s political position and personal business interests. Speaking to the BBC, Meghan Faulkner of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington said:

It’s unbelievable that the Trump family has created yet another way for President Trump to personally profit while in office.

According to the Trump Organisation, the president is not involved in day-to-day operations, which are handled by his sons. However, the business continues to benefit from his political identity. For instance, the service plan’s monthly fee—$47.45—directly reflects his presidential numbering, linking governance with product marketing.

This is not an isolated incident. Forbes recently reported Trump’s net worth had more than doubled, reaching $6.1 billion, due in part to the value of his social media company and a slew of Trump-branded merchandise—from bibles and cologne to trainers and watches.

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Sources used:

BBC: Experts question whether $499 gold Trump phone can be US-made

CNN: Trump’s sons say their new phone will be built in the US. Experts say it looks a lot like a phone from China

BBC: 'Made in the USA' reference disappears from Trump phone listing