Latest news with #TrumpOrganization
Russia Today
18 hours ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Trump Mobile drops ‘Made in USA' label amid China copycat concerns
Trump Mobile has removed the 'Made in the USA' label for an upcoming smartphone from its website, sparking renewed speculation over whether the $499 T1 device is a rebranded Chinese model. Launched by the Trump Organization on June 16, the company now says the T1 phone is 'designed with American values in mind.' The change was first flagged by The Verge on Wednesday and confirmed through archived captures. The T1 8002 is currently described as 'brought to life right here in the USA,' replacing earlier claims of domestic manufacturing. The phone's specifications were also changed, including a screen size drop, and the September 2025 shipping date has also been removed. The changes appear to have been made after industry analysts questioned whether the US has the capacity to produce the device. Todd Weaver, the CEO of US-based smartphone manufacturer Purism, told CNN last week that building a secure, scalable phone production line in the US would take years, and that even his company, which sells a $1,999 'Made in the USA' phone, sources some components from abroad. 'Unless the Trump family secretly built out a secure, onshore or nearshore operation… it's simply not possible. There are areas where you're going to still need a global supply chain,' he said, citing a crystal in Purism's GPS chip that is made in China. Max Weinbach of Creative Strategies noted similarities between the T1 and the Revvl 7 Pro 5G, a $169 phone made by China's Wingtech. 'There are only four or five smartphone ODMs that could manufacture this – and they're all in China,' he said, referring to 'original device manufacturers' – companies that design and make products based on the specifications of another company. 'It is likely that this device will be initially produced by a Chinese ODM,' Blake Przesmicki, an analyst at Counterpoint Research, told CNBC. Eric Trump – who now co-leads the Trump Organization – effectively acknowledged that the phones are not currently made in the US. In an interview last week, he said, 'eventually all the [Trump] phones will be built in the USA,' while avoiding any direct claim of domestic production. Eric Trump: 'Eventually all the Trump phones will be built in the USA.'Translation: They're not built in America. And there's no real plan to change that anytime Company spokesman Chris Walker, however, told USA Today on Wednesday that 'the T1 phones are proudly being made in America,' and dismissed speculation to the contrary as 'simply inaccurate.' The news comes amid President Donald Trump's push to boost domestic manufacturing. Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on trading partners earlier this year, citing unfair trade imbalances and saying the move would provide an 'incentive for re-shoring production to the US.' China was hit hardest, and the two sides engaged in a tit-for-tat tariff war that paused after a preliminary deal earlier this month until a final trade agreement, which is expected by August 10.
CNET
20 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
Trump Mobile Math Doesn't Add Up: We Found Better Phone Plan Deals
When the Trump Organization announced its upcoming gold-hued T1 phone, it threw up a number of red flags for us. There was the poorly Photoshopped image along with technical claims that didn't add up -- including the boast that the phone would be 'designed and built in the United States.' (That claim has since been walked back, without explanation.) The phone was originally expected to launch in September 2025, but there's currently no confirmed release date. To run the T1 phone, the organization also announced the Trump Mobile 47 Plan, a prepaid phone plan with unlimited text, calls and data, which appears to be active now. After looking at the specifics, we've concluded there are better options elsewhere. Let's break it down. Clever pricing, but better deals abound The Trump T1 phone gives us flashbacks to the Freedom Phone, which launched in 2021 and was more of a political statement than a groundbreaking smartphone. But it's the Trump Mobile phone service that seems like an odd fit in 2025. At a time when there are hundreds of mobile virtual network operators -- think Mint Mobile or Google Fi -- Trump Mobile is trying to break into a crowded market with a curious value proposition: pay $47.45 a month (a nod to Trump being the 45th and 47th president) for unlimited text, calls and data. However, that's just the base price. In a video titled I Signed Up for Trump Mobile So You Don't Have To, internet personality Stetson Doggett discovered an additional hefty "plan telecom tax" of $14.52, bringing the monthly price up to $61.97 (and recurring autopay is automatically enabled). You can find what's included in the Trump Mobile 47 Plan for much cheaper with other wireless providers. In fact, Liberty Wireless Mobile -- the MVNO that powers Trump Mobile -- offers the same service for just $40 a month. That includes 10GB of high-speed data, compared to 20GB with the 47 Plan, before speeds are likely throttled. But I haven't used Liberty Wireless, and if the numerous instances of "Lorem ipsum" text on its FAQS page are any indication, it's likely best to look elsewhere. Of course, Trump Mobile's 47 Plan includes other perks that could help justify the higher price -- such as telehealth sessions provided by Doctegrity (normally $29 a month) and roadside assistance through Drive America. That said, it's unclear what services are covered or whether spending limits apply. The 47 Plan even includes "device protection" -- which would be great, if not for the fine print clarifying that "device protection is not insurance." So could Trump Mobile be a good deal? If we ignore all the vagueness surrounding the 47 Plan, then maybe. But there are too many unknowns for us to recommend it. How much is an additional line? Does the 47 Plan include hotspot data? Is there an autopay discount? Do we get streaming service perks like with other carriers? Are there discounts for seniors? We reached out to Trump Mobile for clarification. Luckily, between the three major US carriers and hundreds of US-based MVNOs, you have plenty of options. Here are a few wireless plans that are available now and offer a better price -- or value -- than Trump Mobile, from providers with strong track records for service. Be sure to also check out our list of best phone plans that cover other features and pricing. Trump Mobile vs. T-Mobile, Mint Mobile and US Mobile Plan Cost 1 line (autopay) High-speed data Hotspot data limit Price guarantee Max number of lines Streaming resolution Trump Mobile The 47 Plan $47.45 (no autopay discount) 20GB n/a n/a n/a n/a US Mobile Unlimited Flex $17.50 10GB 5GB n/a Unlimited 480p (SD) T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 $45 50GB Unlimited 3G n/a 2 480p (SD) Mint Mobile 15GB $20 15GB 10GB n/a n/a 480p (SD) Alternatives to Trump Mobile US Mobile Unlimited Flex Best value for a single line (prepaid) Like Runs on Verizon's network for "Warp" service, AT&T's for its "Dark Star" or T-Mobile's for "Light Speed" 10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price 10GB of hotspot data Don't like Limited times you can switch networks for free The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up Cheapest rate requires annual purchase With the three major carriers in the US, you're using their infrastructure, and if there aren't any high-speed towers in your area, you're out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those three networks. They're given special names -- no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition -- and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile. That sounds convoluted, but it means you can switch to a better network for your area if needed without transitioning to an entirely new carrier. You still need to choose one, but you get two free network transfers and then pay $2 per transfer if you want to switch again after that -- it's a good way to see which one works best in your area. OK, to be fair, it can get more convoluted, depending on the network. Dark Star data speeds are at a reduced priority (dubbed QCI 9) in times of network congestion; for an additional $12 a month you can bump that up to a higher priority (QCI 8). With the Warp plan, data speeds are at that QCI 8 higher priority regardless of congestion. And the Light Speed level is even higher (QCI 7). The Unlimited Flex plan gives you 10GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 1Mbps, for just $17.50 a month if you purchase an annual plan (otherwise it's $25 a month). Hotspot data is 5GB and then unlimited but throttled to 8Mbps and then 600Kbps if you use more than 200GB within a month. International calls and texts from inside the US are included, but if you're traveling you'll need to buy add-on roaming packages costing either $15 (1GB, 150 minutes, 150 texts) or $45 (5GB, 500 minutes, 500 texts). Why we like it It's an inexpensive plan with taxes and fees rolled into the price, plus you get the ability to surf among the major carrier networks to find the one that works best for your area. Who it's best for Someone looking for a simple phone line who doesn't expect to use much data. Who shouldn't get it If you're frequently away from Wi-Fi, that data could go by in a hurry. It's also not a great option if you need consistently high speeds, or you don't want the complexity of choosing one of the three networks. Customer service options • Online: US Mobile • Phone: 878-205-0088 • Store: n/a • App: US Mobile iOS, Android $17.50 at US Mobile Mint Mobile 15GB Best phone plan for 15GB of data or less Like Runs on T-Mobile's network More data than some comparably priced plans from other prepaid rivals Free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK Don't like Best pricing often requires a full year commitment or is limited to new customers Hotspot data comes out of monthly allotment Despite the fact that we think most everyone can benefit from having an unlimited data plan, sometimes that's just too much data, and too much expense. When you aren't streaming movies or checking social media frequently (away from Wi-Fi), a limited amount of data on a plan can be just the right amount. Mint Mobile's 15GB Plan costs as little as $20 a month when you pay up front for a year or take advantage of a three-month new customer offer. For that price you get unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile's 5G/4G LTE network and the 15GB of high-speed data (then slower unlimited data if you blow past that allotment). It also includes free calling to Canada, Mexico and the UK, as well as 10GB of hotspot data (which comes out of the 15GB total). Why we like it With T-Mobile's network as the backbone, Mint Mobile's plan offers many of the same features as the larger carrier, but at a reduced, affordable prepaid scale. Who it's best for People who want the features of most mobile plans but won't use much data. Who shouldn't get it Someone who obsesses over data usage or is concerned about hitting the 15GB limit. Customer service options • Online: Mint Mobile Help Center • Phone: 800-683-7392 • Store: n/a • App: Mint Mobile $20 at Mint Mobile
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trumps drop 'Made in the USA' claim for new phone and a debate ensues: How to define 'made'?
By Bernard Condon NEW YORK: When the Trump family unveiled a new phone before a giant American flag at its headquarters earlier this month, the pitch was simple and succinct, packed with pure patriotism: "Made in the U.S.A." The Trumps are apparently having second thoughts. How about "proudly American"? Those are the two words that have replaced the "Made in the USA" pitch that just a few days ago appeared on the website where customers can pre-order the so-called T-1 gold-toned phones with an American flag etched on the back. Elsewhere on the site, other vague terms are now being used, describing the $499 phone as boasting an "American-Proud Design" and "brought to life right here in the U.S.A." The Federal Trade Commission requires that items labeled " Made in USA " be "all or virtually all" produced in the U.S. and several firms have been sued over misusing the term. The Trump Organization has not explained the change and has not responded to a request for comment. Neither did an outside public relations firm handling the Trumps' mobile phone business , including a request to confirm a statement made to another media outlet. "T1 phones are proudly being made in America," said Trump Mobile spokesman Chris Walker, according to USA Today. "Speculation to the contrary is simply inaccurate." The language change on the website was first reported by the news site The Verge. An expert on cell phone technology, IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo, said he's not surprised the Trump family has dropped the "Made in the USA" label because it's nearly impossible to build one here given the higher cost and lack of infrastructure to do so. But, of course, you can claim to do it. "Whether it is possible or not to build this phone in the US depends on what you consider 'build,'" Jeronimo said. "If it's a question of assembling components and targeting small volumes, I suppose it's somehow possible. You can always get the components from China and assemble them by hand somewhere." "You're going to have phones that are made right here in the United States of America," said Trump's son Eric to Fox News recently, adding, "It's about time we bring products back to our great country." The Trump family has flown the American flag before with Trump-branded products of suspicious origin, including its "God Bless the USA" Bibles, which an Associated Press investigation last year showed were printed in China. The Trump phone is part of a bigger family mobile business plan designed to tap into MAGA enthusiasm for the president. The two sons running the business, Eric and Don Jr., announced earlier this month that they would offer mobile phone plans for $47.45 a month, a reference to their father's status as the 45th and 47th president. The call center, they said, will be in the U.S., too. "You're not calling up call centers in Bangladesh," Eric Trump said on Fox News. "We're doing it out of St. Louis, Missouri." The new service has been blasted by government ethics experts for a conflict of interest, given that President Donald Trump oversees the Federal Communications Commission that regulates the business and is investigating phone service companies that are now Trump Mobile rivals. Trump has also threatened to punish cell phone maker Apple, now a direct competitor, threatening to slap 25% tariffs on devices because of its plans to make most of its U.S. iPhones in India.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FCC chief had no discussions with White House on Trump Mobile phone
By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The head of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on Thursday he had no discussions with the White House about the Trump Organization's self-branded mobile service and a $499 smartphone dubbed Trump Mobile. FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who was designated chair by President Donald Trump in January, told reporters he had learned about the project through a public press release and had no conversations with anyone outside the agency about it. "We're going to run our normal process if there's anything that needs to be done by the FCC on that," Carr said. "I think competition is a good thing - so think it's great we get more sort of entry, more competition." Trump Mobile is powered by Liberty Mobile Wireless, a Florida-based company founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Matthew Lopatin. The company operates as a mobile virtual network operator, renting bandwidth from major carriers such as T-Mobile to offer its own service under a different name. Separately, Carr said the commission is continuing to review CBS-parent Paramount Global's proposed $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. The FCC did not make a decision by the 180-day informal deadline in mid-May. "We continue to run our normal course review on that one," Carr said. Trump has sued CBS, alleging the network deceptively edited a "60 Minutes" interview with 2024 presidential candidate Kamala Harris to "tip the scales in favor of the Democratic Party" and the former vice president in the election. Trump's suit is seeking $20 billion. In January, Carr reinstated complaints about the "60 Minutes" Harris interview, as well as complaints about how Walt Disney's ABC News moderated the pre-election televised debate between then-President Joe Biden and Trump and Comcast's NBC for allowing Harris to appear on "Saturday Night Live" shortly before the election. CBS has urged Carr to dismiss the complaint, saying it did nothing wrong and that the complaint aims to turn "the FCC into a full-time censor of content."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trumps drop 'Made in the USA' label for new phone and a debate ensues: How to define 'made'?
NEW YORK (AP) — When the Trump family unveiled a new phone before a giant American flag at its headquarters earlier this month, the pitch was simple and succinct, packed with pure patriotism: 'Made in the U.S.A.' The Trumps are apparently having second thoughts. How about 'proudly American'? Those are the two words that have replaced the 'Made in the USA' pitch that just a few days ago appeared on the website where customers can pre-order the so-called T-1 gold-toned phones with an American flag etched on the back. Elsewhere on the site, other vague terms are now being used, describing the $499 phone as boasting an 'American-Proud Design' and 'brought to life right here in the U.S.A.' The Federal Trade Commission requires that items labeled 'Made in USA' be 'all or virtually all' produced in the U.S. and several firms have been sued over misusing the term. The Trump Organization has not explained the change and has not responded to a request for comment. Neither did an outside public relations firm handling the Trumps' mobile phone business, including a request to confirm a statement made to another media outlet. 'T1 phones are proudly being made in America,' said Trump Mobile spokesman Chris Walker, according to USA Today. 'Speculation to the contrary is simply inaccurate.' The language change on the website was first reported by the news site The Verge. An expert on cell phone technology, IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo, said he's not surprised the Trump family has dropped the 'Made in the USA' label because it's nearly impossible to build one here given the higher cost and lack of infrastructure to do so. But, of course, you can claim to do it. 'Whether it is possible or not to build this phone in the US depends on what you consider 'build,'" Jeronimo said. 'If it's a question of assembling components and targeting small volumes, I suppose it's somehow possible. You can always get the components from China and assemble them by hand somewhere.' 'You're going to have phones that are made right here in the United States of America,' said Trump's son Eric to Fox News recently, adding, 'It's about time we bring products back to our great country.' The Trump family has flown the American flag before with Trump-branded products of suspicious origin, including its 'God Bless the USA' Bibles, which an Associated Press investigation last year showed were printed in China. The Trump phone is part of a bigger family mobile business plan designed to tap into MAGA enthusiasm for the president. The two sons running the business, Eric and Don Jr., announced earlier this month that they would offer mobile phone plans for $47.45 a month, a reference to their father's status as the 45th and 47th president. The call center, they said, will be in the U.S., too. 'You're not calling up call centers in Bangladesh,' Eric Trump said on Fox News. 'We're doing it out of St. Louis, Missouri.' The new service has been blasted by government ethics experts for a conflict of interest, given that President Donald Trump oversees the Federal Communications Commission that regulates the business and is investigating phone service companies that are now Trump Mobile rivals. Trump has also threatened to punish cell phone maker Apple, now a direct competitor, threatening to slap 25% tariffs on devices because of its plans to make most of its U.S. iPhones in India. ___
