- Golden Trump phone (T1) promised by Trump Mobile has not shipped and remains unreleased.
- Company still accepts $100 deposits and lists the T1 release as “later this year.”
- Analysts cite supply-chain and U.S. manufacturing hurdles; Trump Mobile sells wireless plans and refurbished phones instead.
- The phone’s absence contrasts with a flood of new devices at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
Where’s the golden Trump phone?
Trump Mobile’s much-hyped golden smartphone, billed as the T1 and once promised for a late‑2025 release, has yet to appear in the market as CES 2026 fills Las Vegas with new gadgets. The phone — which the company initially said would sell for about $500 and be “proudly designed and built in the United States” — has been delayed repeatedly while the business continues to accept $100 customer deposits.
Company messaging shifted, timeline slipped
After the June launch of Trump Mobile’s wireless service, the T1 was targeted for an August or September release. But promotional language changed: the firm moved from claiming U.S. manufacturing to describing the T1 as “American‑proud,” without clarifying where it would be made.
Trump Mobile’s website now lists the T1’s release date as “later this year,” and the organization did not provide comment when asked about shipping timelines. The Financial Times reported that a customer representative said the device could ship in late January, while the company still accepts deposits and has not posted firm specs or photos of a production model.
Why the delay may be happening
Industry analysts say the gap between announcing a phone and producing one is often wider than companies expect — especially for claims of U.S. assembly or low price points. International Data Corp. analyst Francisco Jeronimo told reporters he was skeptical from the start: “They are probably finding that it is harder to build a phone than they thought it would be. Let’s see if this thing comes to life or not.”
Observers point to the lack of a complete U.S. supply chain for smartphones, the rising cost of components, and logistics issues as likely reasons a gold‑plated, $500 device is difficult to produce domestically. The Trump Mobile team also hinted that last year’s 43‑day federal government shutdown affected timelines, according to media reports.
What Trump Mobile is selling now
While the T1 remains unreleased, Trump Mobile continues to sell a wireless plan priced at $47.45 per month — a nod to Donald Trump’s presidential titles — and offers refurbished iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models for immediate purchase, with prices typically between about $370 and $630.
Analysts say pivoting to refurbished devices and a simple mobile‑service offering reduces production risk and gives customers something usable while the T1’s future remains uncertain.
What to watch next
Keep an eye on Trump Mobile’s official site and customer communications for concrete shipping dates, photos, and technical specifications. With CES showcasing dozens of new phones and innovations, the absence of the T1 makes the company’s promise of a distinctive, gold smartphone feel increasingly uncertain.
If and when the T1 ships, customers who paid deposits will likely expect clear details on manufacturing origin, specs and a firm delivery schedule.
Image Referance: https://www.npr.org/2026/01/07/nx-s1-5668996/trump-mobile-golden-phone
