Trump Mobile finally launches - but with major mistake

PoliticsTechnology
20 May 2026 • 1:32 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Trump Mobile finally launches - but with major mistake

  • The Trump Mobile “T1” smartphone, after a nine-month delay, has been sent to pre-order customers and some members of the media.
  • The $499 gold-plated phone, initially promoted as “Made in the USA,” now states it is “designed with American values in mind” on its website.
  • Tech experts indicate the device closely resembles an HTC U-24 Pro, which is made in Taiwan, despite claims of U.S. assembly and primarily American components.
  • The phone's American flag design features 11 stripes instead of the traditional 13, drawing criticism from various commentators.
  • Democratic senators have requested an FTC investigation into Trump Mobile regarding concerns about potentially misleading marketing and the phone's manufacturing origin.

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