The Trump Organization, managed by Donald Trump’s sons, is launching a new Trump-branded mobile phone service, further leveraging the former president’s name for profit.
The organization announced plans to sell a gold-colored, American-made smartphone for $499, alongside a monthly service fee of $47.45 – a reference to Trump’s 45th and 47th place in presidential order.
Details remain scarce, including the identity of the business partner licensing the Trump name and managing the service.
Ethics experts have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and corruption. “It’s unbelievable that the Trump family has created yet another avenue for President Trump to personally profit while in office,” stated Meghan Faulkner, communications director for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).
While Trump claims to have placed his business interests in a trust managed by his children, and the White House insists he acts in the best interests of all Americans, Faulkner highlights concerns about potential influence-peddling and policy conflicts given the family’s new stake in the telecommunications industry.
The Trump Organization did not respond to inquiries regarding its business partner or ethical concerns.
The organization’s announcement touted the service as “affordable,” reflecting American values and offering reliable quality. It highlighted discounted international calls for military families and US-based customer support. The gold phone is currently available for pre-order.
Tech analysts question the US manufacturer of the phone and note its design deviates from current trends, notably lacking wireless headphones.
This venture extends a pre-presidency business strategy of licensing the Trump name to hotels and golf courses. However, the opportunities for profit have significantly expanded since his political career began a decade ago.
Trump’s most recent financial disclosure reports over $600 million in income last year, including millions from Trump-branded merchandise like bibles, watches, sneakers, and fragrances.
Forbes estimated his net worth at $5.1 billion in March, more than double the previous year, largely attributed to his loyal following and the value of his Truth Social company, accounting for roughly half his wealth.
The US mobile market is dominated by AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, with services starting below $40 monthly. Smaller firms, known as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), target niche markets with lower prices or customized plans.
The largest MVNOs have fewer than 10 million subscribers (FCC, 2024). Mint Mobile, backed by Ryan Reynolds, sold to T-Mobile for $1.35 billion in 2023, with an estimated two to three million subscribers at the time, yielding Reynolds, who held a 25% stake, approximately $300 million.
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