On Monday morning, the Trump Organization announced that it will be launching a Trump-branded smartphone and wireless service in September.
A press release for the new company promised that it would be "a transformational, new cellular service designed to deliver top-tier connectivity, unbeatable value and all-American service for our nation’s hardest-working people."
Trump Mobile also announced the launch of the T1 Phone, a gold-colored, made-in-America smartphone etched with an American flag that will retail for $499. The company's signature mobile plan, the 47 plan, will offer unlimited talk, text, and data for $47.45 per month.
Ever since the introduction of his "Liberation Day" tariffs, President Donald Trump has been pressuring Apple CEO Tim Cook to start building the iPhone in America. As Mashable has previously reported, a made-in-America iPhone could cost as much as $3,000, while Apple itself would potentially need to spend billions to create the domestic infrastructure needed to build its flagship smartphone in the United States.
Trump has targeted Cook with Truth Social posts, even threatening to place a 25 percent tariff on iPhones and other smartphones.
"Trump Mobile is going to change the game, we’re building on the movement to put America first, and we will deliver the highest levels of quality and service. Our company is based right here in the United States because we know it’s what our customers want and deserve," said Donald Trump Jr, EVP of The Trump Organization, in a press release.
The announcement was timed to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the launch of President Trump's first campaign for president.
Once upon a time, U.S. presidents were expected to eschew investment and financial opportunities while occupying The White House to avoid conflicts of interest. In fact, the U.S. Constitution includes an Emoluments Clause, which explicitly prohibits the president from profiting off the office.
Former president Jimmy Carter even put his beloved peanut farm into a blind trust while he was in office to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. The Emoluments Clause is essentially enforced by the honor system; the Trump Administration has also interpreted the constitutional doctrine in novel ways.
The Trump Organization says a U.S.-based customer service team will be at the ready 24/7 to help customers switch to Trump Mobile. The plan also comes with a number of benefits to woo potential customers, including:
24/7 roadside assistance via Drive America
Telehealth medical services
Free International calling (more than 100 countries included)
"No contracts, no credit check"
