Trump’s $499 gold phone, the T1 model announced by Trump Mobile in June 2025, remains largely unshipped to regular customers more than a year after its unveiling, despite the company’s repeated promises to begin delivery. The device, officially known as the Trump Mobile T1, was originally scheduled to launch in August 2025 but has faced continuous delays.
Trump Mobile said in mid-May 2026 that phones would “start shipping this week,” according to CNN and USA Today. The company had collected approximately $59 million in $100 deposits from an estimated 590,000 preorders since taking orders in June 2025, according to Time Magazine and NJ.com.
However, as of late May 2026, there was scant evidence of widespread customer deliveries. The Verge reported on May 22 that “outside of two media samples, there are no signs that a single T1 Phone has shipped” to actual buyers. NBC News and CNET received phones directly from the company following requests, but the outlet found no regular customers claiming to have received their orders.
The phone’s specifications and origins have drawn scrutiny throughout its development. Trump Mobile initially marketed the device as “Made in USA,” but changed the language to “designed with American values in mind” after industry analysts questioned whether the phone was actually manufactured domestically, according to CNN. The company later said current phones are assembled in the U.S., though components likely come from abroad.
Trump Mobile CEO Pat O’Brien told CNN in May 2026 that “the technology business is more difficult than some may realize as parts must be tested for quality assurances.” He said the company anticipated completing all orders “within the next several weeks.” The company also updated its preorder terms to state that deposits represented only a “conditional opportunity” to buy a phone, with no guarantee that Trump Mobile would produce or sell one, according to Fortune.
The delays have drawn criticism from lawmakers. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said the delay “looks like another Trump scam,” according to CNN. The Federal Trade Commission was asked to investigate the delayed phone by January 2026, according to PhoneArena.
Sources
- CNN — Trump Mobile announcement on May 14, 2026, that phones would begin shipping; CEO statement on delays; details on “Made in USA” language change
- The Verge — May 22, 2026 report on lack of customer shipments outside media samples
- Time Magazine — Details on $499 price, $100 deposits, 600,000 preorders, August 2025 launch date
- NJ.com — Confirmation of $59 million in deposits collected; June 16, 2025 launch date
- USA Today — May 13, 2026 announcement of shipping; August 2025 original launch date
- Fortune — Details on updated preorder terms and conditional delivery language
- PhoneArena — FTC investigation request in January 2026
