A gold-colored smartphone promoted by the Trump family business last year is still not publicly available, even as the consumer tech industry rolls out new devices at CES in Las Vegas. The product, often described as a “golden phone,” was positioned as the headline hardware for Trump Mobile, a wireless service launched by the Trump Organization in June.
The phone, referred to as the T1 in reporting, was originally tied to an estimated $500 price and a planned late-summer release. Months later, both the timeline and the messaging around where the device would be made have shifted, according to an NPR report published January 7, 2026.
This article summarizes that NPR report and related details referenced within it. It does not claim independent confirmation of shipping timelines or manufacturing plans.
What Trump Mobile Promised When It Launched
When Trump Mobile was announced in June, the service was framed as more than a phone plan. It was also a runway for a new smartphone with a gold look and a price positioned below many current flagship phones.
According to NPR, the T1 was initially described as being “proudly designed and built in the United States” for customers who “expect the best,” with a target release window of August or September. The offer also included the ability for customers to place a $100 deposit.
But as the year went on, the expected delivery date became less specific, and the “built in the United States” claim softened.
The Messaging Shift: From “Built in the U.S.” to “American-Proud”
One of the biggest changes highlighted by NPR is how Trump Mobile’s marketing language evolved. Not long after the initial announcement, the company moved away from saying the phone would be made in the United States. NPR reports the language pivoted to describing the device as “proudly American.”
On the Trump Mobile website, NPR notes the T1 is now described as having an “American-proud” design, without explaining what that means in practical terms, such as where parts are sourced or where final assembly happens.
Industry analysts told NPR that building a modern smartphone at a sub-$1,000 price point in the U.S. is difficult because the domestic supply chain and logistics are not set up for that kind of product at that cost. NPR also points to similar obstacles faced by major companies when pressed to move phone manufacturing back to the U.S.
The Release Date Keeps Moving, but Deposits Continue
NPR reports that Trump Mobile became more vague about timing later in the summer, while still suggesting the phone would be delivered to deposit-paying customers by the end of 2025. Yet the phone has remained unavailable into early January 2026.
At the same time, Trump Mobile has continued to accept $100 deposits for the device, NPR notes. The company’s website reportedly still lists a targeted release date as “later this year,” even though the story was published after the calendar had turned.
NPR also reports that the Trump Organization did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press about the delays or when the device is expected to ship.
A Reported Explanation: Customer Service Mentions Late January
NPR cites other reporting that suggests a possible new timeline. According to NPR, the Financial Times reported it was told by a Trump Mobile customer representative that the phone would ship in late January. NPR says that report attributed the delay to a 43-day federal government shutdown last year.
Still, there has not been a widely verified public rollout, retail launch, or hands-on review cycle that usually comes with a new smartphone release. That absence is part of why analysts remain doubtful.
International Data Corp. analyst Francisco Jeronimo told NPR he has been skeptical about the phone from the start, suggesting it may be harder to build a phone than expected and that it remains to be seen whether it actually launches.
What Trump Mobile Is Selling Right Now
While the T1 phone remains unavailable, Trump Mobile has continued to sell its wireless service. NPR reports the plan costs $47.45 per month, a number tied to Donald Trump’s titles as the 45th and 47th president.
NPR also reports that for customers who want a phone immediately, Trump Mobile sells refurbished older iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models, with prices listed in a range from roughly the high $300s into the $600s.
Jeronimo suggested to NPR that the company may be better positioned to sell refurbished devices than to manufacture and ship a brand-new phone at scale.
Why This Story Is Getting Attention at CES
The timing is part of the story. CES tends to flood the market with new product announcements, prototypes, and near-term releases. Against that background, a heavily promoted phone that still cannot be purchased stands out.
For consumers, the key questions are basic: Is the device real, what are its specifications, when will it ship, and where is it made? NPR’s reporting suggests the answers remain unclear, especially on manufacturing details and firm dates.
What to Watch Next
If Trump Mobile wants to quiet skepticism, the next steps are straightforward. Consumers and reviewers will look for:
- A firm ship date (and proof that customers are receiving devices).
- Clear specs (processor, camera, storage, display, battery, and software support timeline).
- Transparent manufacturing details (final assembly location and key component sourcing).
- Independent hands-on reviews from credible tech outlets.
- Warranty and repair terms that match industry norms.
Until those pieces are public, the T1 remains more of a headline than a product. In a market where buyers can choose from many proven phones at similar prices, uncertainty is a serious hurdle.
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