Trump Mobile’s T1 Phone May Not Be Made in America After All
Credit: Robert / Adobe Stock
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Earlier this month, the Trump Organization announced the launch of its very own mobile phone company. In the words of Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, the venture aims to help underserved Americans unlock “true value from their mobile carriers,” given the “lackluster performance in the mobile industry.”
Trump Mobile’s first two products are a phone plan (The 47 Plan) and a made-in-America smartphone (the T1). Despite the claims made upon its unveiling, many questioned whether such a phone could exist at all, let alone be manufactured in the US. Well, it may not be.
The initial Trump Mobile press release from June 16 stated the gold T1 smartphone would be “…designed and built in the United States.” Eric Trump, also Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, later claimed, “Eventually, all the phones can be built in the United States of America.”
Despite the disclaimer at the bottom of the Trump Mobile website stating the Trump Organization does not design, develop, manufacture, distribute or sell Trump Mobile products and services (it’s a licensing deal), whoever is behind the production of the phone is backtracking on the original “MADE IN THE USA” statement present when the site was first announced.
Now, the Trumpmobile.com T1 smartphone page states the T1 is, “Designed with American values in mind” and “…brought to life right here in the USA. With American hands behind every device, we bring care, precision, and trusted quality to every detail.” Perhaps those behind the T1 are facing the same challenges Apple has described with moving iPhone production out of Asia.
“Made in the USA” isn’t just a label you can slap on something. It’s regulated and defined by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) in its Made in USA Labeling Rule. This rule states a product must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States to legally carry the “Made in USA” label. This means a product’s significant parts, processing, and labor must be of US origin. The FTC is also responsible for enforcing the rule and can take enforcement actions, such as fines and other legal penalties, against companies and individuals who run afoul.
Although the site’s language has changed conspicuously, a Trump Mobile spokesperson has stated that the T1 is still being built in the US. However, it likely uses significant parts from countries where other manufacturers source their components. Will Trump Mobile be a success and a legitimate competitor to the iPhone? Time will tell. We’re eager to get our hands on one. It’s available for pre-order now for a $100 deposit.
