Challenging Preorder Experience with New Trump Smartphone

Key Takeaways

1. The Trump Organization launched the T1 Phone, an all-gold smartphone made in the U.S., priced at $499 with a $100 downpayment for preorder.
2. Initial customers are experiencing payment and access issues, including incorrect charges and an inaccessible Trump Mobile portal.
3. Trump Mobile aims to provide nationwide 5G coverage as an MVNO using existing U.S. carrier infrastructure, with customer support based in the U.S.
4. The phone targets consumers who prefer American-made devices without foreign backdoors, similar to other specialized phones like the Liberty Phone.
5. The Trump Organization has not addressed customer concerns regarding website issues and order confirmations, leaving buyers uncertain about their purchases.


The Trump Organization has officially introduced its latest smartphone, the T1 Phone, on Monday, along with a new service called Trump Mobile. This device is characterized as an all-gold smartphone that is “engineered for performance” and is produced in the United States. However, despite the significant announcement, initial customers are facing challenges with the rollout.

Pricing and Payment Issues

The T1 Phone is priced at $499, requiring a $100 downpayment for preorder. Yet, journalist Joseph Cox from 404 Media noted that his card was incorrectly charged $64.70 due to the payment confirmation page not loading. Even though he received a confirmation email, he had never inputted a shipping address. Additionally, when he tried to access the Trump Mobile portal to update his information, he found it to be inaccessible.

Network and Customer Support

The Trump Organization aims to function as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), utilizing the infrastructure provided by existing U.S. carriers, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. According to their official statement, Trump Mobile will provide nationwide 5G coverage along with customer support centers based in the U.S.

Donald Trump Jr. mentioned during a recent podcast that the phone targets consumers who prefer “a device made in America without foreign backdoors.” He also mentioned that the call centers for Trump Mobile would be based in St. Louis, ensuring that “data stays on shore.”

Market Position and Customer Experience

The launch and advertising of the T1 Phone appear to echo the trends set by other specialized devices, like the Liberty Phone from Purism, which attracts users focused on supply chain integrity and avoiding foreign components. However, with TrumpMobile.com still experiencing login errors and offering minimal clarity after purchase, customers are left unsure about what they have ordered or if they will even receive it.

As of now, the Trump Organization has not addressed public inquiries concerning the website’s problems or when users might get updated order confirmations.

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