good crabexellent crabVietnamese crab exporterdouble-skinned crabs

Trump Mobile Unveiled: $499 Gold Phone, $47 Plan, and MAGA Branding

Associated Press
June 16, 2025 | 9:47 pm
SHARE
Eric Trump, Don Hendrickson, Eric Thomas, Patrick O'Brien and Donald Trump Jr., left to right, participate in the announcement of Trump Mobile, in New York's Trump Tower, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Eric Trump, Don Hendrickson, Eric Thomas, Patrick O'Brien and Donald Trump Jr., left to right, participate in the announcement of Trump Mobile, in New York's Trump Tower, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Jakarta. The Trump family is lending its name to a new mobile phone service, the latest in a string of ventures announced while Donald Trump campaigns to return to the White House, despite continued ethical concerns over how the former and current president may benefit financially from public office.

Eric Trump, one of Donald Trump’s sons who helps run The Trump Organization, said the venture, called Trump Mobile, will sell smartphones built in the United States and operate a US-based call center.

The launch of the mobile phone and service, branded as T1 Mobile, follows a wave of Trump-branded real estate deals in the Middle East, including a golf resort project in Qatar announced in April. A $1.5 billion agreement to develop golf courses, hotels, and residential properties in Vietnam was also approved last month, though negotiations reportedly began before Trump first took office.

Even in a licensing capacity, the use of the Trump name for such ventures raises red flags for ethics watchdogs.

ADVERTISEMENT

Trump has previously used the federal government to reward allies and target critics. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which regulates the telecommunications industry, has opened investigations into media outlets Trump has publicly criticized and, in some cases, is personally suing.

Still, Eric Trump said the new phone service would appeal to consumers who feel underserved by existing options.

“Hard-working Americans deserve a wireless service that’s affordable, reflects their values, and delivers reliable quality they can count on,” he said in a statement Monday.

The announcement comes weeks after Trump slammed Apple for planning to manufacture iPhones for the US market in India, threatening a 25 percent tariff unless the tech giant shifts production back to the US.

The company said Monday the gold-colored T1 Phone, priced at $499 and expected to launch in August, will be produced by a third party, not designed or manufactured by Trump Mobile.

The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a request for additional information.

A mock-up of the device shown on the company’s website features Trump’s slogan “Make America Great” on the front and an etched American flag on the back.

The phone plan, called the 47 Plan, references Trump’s presidential ambitions --he was the 45th president and is now the 47th. For $47.45 a month, subscribers will get unlimited data, free calls and texts, plus added perks like roadside assistance and telehealth services that include access to prescriptions.

By sticking to a licensing model, the Trump family limits its financial risk. However, analysts say the new service faces steep challenges in expanding beyond Trump’s loyal MAGA base.

The family’s prior attempt to capitalize on Trump’s popularity among working-class Americans, a mid-priced hotel chain called American Idea, was launched under a giant American flag at Trump Tower, much like the new phone service. That effort failed to gain traction.

Despite earning millions annually through licensing and new ventures, the Trump brand has taken reputational hits over the years.

During his first term, the Trump name was removed from several buildings and hotels in Toronto, Panama, and Manhattan. Following the January 6 Capitol riot, several banks cut ties with the Trump Organization.

The now-sold Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC, reportedly operated at a loss, even as it attracted lobbyists, diplomats, and business leaders.

Meanwhile, condos in Trump-branded residential towers have underperformed compared to the broader market in several cities. In New York City, Trump condo values have dropped 2% over the past two years, even as similar units have appreciated 8 percent to 14 percent, according to data from CityRealty.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News Jul 15, 2026 | 12:22 am

Trump Backs Away From Plan to Charge Fees in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran responded with attacks targeting Bahrain, Jordan, and three tankers that traveled through the strait.
Business Jul 14, 2026 | 9:17 am

S&P Rating Boost Keeps Jakarta Stocks Above 6,000 at Tuesday Open

JCI rose at Tuesday's open after S&P reaffirmed Indonesia's BBB rating, offsetting cautious global sentiment.
Business Jul 10, 2026 | 4:06 pm

Iran Peace Talks Spark Late Rally in Indonesian Stocks

JCI recovered from a sharp midday drop to close higher as hopes for renewed US-Iran talks and a steady IMF outlook lifted sentiment.
News Jul 10, 2026 | 2:52 am

US and Iran Exchange More Attacks Across the Mideast

An Iranian official accused the US of launching an airstrike later Thursday targeting the area around Iran's sole nuclear power plant.
Business Jul 9, 2026 | 4:35 pm

Rupiah Plunges to Rp 18,128 as US-Iran Tensions Escalate

Rupiah plunges to Rp 18,128 per dollar as escalating US-Iran tensions and weaker consumer confidence weigh on sentiment.
Business Jul 9, 2026 | 4:18 pm

JCI Rebounds on ADB’s 5.2% Indonesia Growth Forecast

JCI rebounded 0.67% to 5,912, supported by ADB's forecast that Indonesia's economy will grow 5.2% in 2026 and 2027.
Business Jul 8, 2026 | 4:07 pm

JCI Suffers 2% Selloff After S&P Watchlist, Iran Escalation

Indonesia's JCI lost 1.89% as rising Middle East tensions and S&P's watchlist review of the market sparked broad investor selling.
News Jul 6, 2026 | 3:10 pm

Trump Says 'Thank You, FIFA' After Balogun Suspension Is Lifted

FIFA lifts Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension after Donald Trump urges a review, prompting outrage from Belgium.
News Jun 24, 2026 | 9:28 am

US-China Rivalry in ASEAN Is Here to Stay, Trump or No Trump

Whoever is the US president, major power competition will remain, Indonesian presidential aide Mari Elka Pangestu tells ASEAN.
News Jun 23, 2026 | 9:20 pm

Pentagon Asks Congress for Roughly $80 Billion to Cover Cost of Iran War

The White House has requested a remarkable $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon — a nearly 50% increase over the current funding levels.

The Latest


News 49 minutes ago

Ferry Carrying 250 People Catches Fire Off Madura, Rescue Underway

A rescue operation is underway after a ferry carrying about 250 people caught fire off Madura, East Java.
News 3 hours ago

New BGN Chief Faces Fresh Mass Food Poisoning Case Nine Days Into Role

More than 700 students and teachers fell ill in the latest food poisoning case linked to Indonesia's free meals program.
Business 4 hours ago

SEZs Draw $1.8 Billion in Investment as Indonesia Expands Industrial Hubs

Indonesia's Special Economic Zones attracted Rp 32 trillion in investment in the first half, with foreign investors leading the way.
News 18 hours ago

Prabowo Says South Korea's Lee Asked Indonesia to Help Open Dialogue With North Korea

President Prabowo Subianto says South Korea's Lee Jae Myung asked Indonesia to help open dialogue with North Korea.
News 23 hours ago

Pullman Hotel Fire in Jakarta Suspected to Stem From Electrical Fault

Police will deploy a forensic team to investigate a fire at Pullman Hotel in West Jakarta, with an electrical fault suspected as the cause.
COPYRIGHT © 2026 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED