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Just a week after its grand unveiling, Trump Mobile has quietly removed the claim that its T1 phone is “made in the USA.” The device is now touted as “designed with American values,” sparking questions about its true origins.
The initial press release for the $500 T1 phone boasted that it was “proudly designed and built in the United States.” This claim was met with skepticism from tech experts, given the complexities of the global electronics supply chain.
Shifting Claims, Lingering Questions
The Trump Mobile website no longer states the phone is “made in the USA.” Instead, it emphasizes that the T1 is “designed with American values in mind” and “brought to life right here in the USA,” with “American hands behind every device.” The original launch date of August has also been pushed back, now vaguely stating “later this year.”
The Verge first pointed out the change, noting the removal of a “huge banner on the homepage that says the T1 is ‘MADE IN THE USA.'”
When Ars Technica contacted Trump Mobile, a spokesperson insisted, “The T1 phones are proudly being made in America. Speculation to the contrary is simply inaccurate.” However, no explanation was given for the removal of the “made in the USA” claim from the website.
Is the Trump Phone a Re-Branded Device?
Adding to the intrigue, some experts speculate the T1 is a re-skinned version of the REVVL 7 Pro 5G, manufactured by Chinese company Wingtech and sold by T-Mobile for half the price. While initially, specs aligned, the Trump Mobile website now lists a different screen size than the REVVL 7 Pro 5G, further muddying the waters.
Trump Mobile operates as a mobile virtual network operator, reselling network capacity. Their website states their “products and services are not designed, developed, manufactured, distributed or sold by The Trump Organization,” highlighting the limited role of the Trump Organization.
The “Made in America” Promise: A Future Goal?
Despite previous pressure on Apple to manufacture in the US, Eric Trump suggested that building the Trump phone in America is a future aspiration. “Eventually all the phones can be built in the United States of America,” he stated, contrasting the initial marketing claims.
The shifting narrative surrounding the Trump T1 phone raises questions about transparency and the feasibility of manufacturing electronics entirely in the United States in today’s globalized market.