Is it, or isn’t it? The website for President Donald Trump’s new smartphone no longer promises that the device will be made in America. However, a spokesperson said the phone is being manufactured in the United States — a claim that exceeds the business venture’s initial promises.
The Trump Organization, which sells Trump-branded products, announced the T1 Phone on June 16 under the banner of Trump Mobile. During an event at Trump Tower in New York City, Eric Trump said the phone would “eventually” be built domestically.
Experts expressed skepticism, noting the global reliance on countries such as China for the large-scale manufacturing of cellular devices.
American-proud, or American-made?
As of Thursday, June 26, Trump Mobile’s vow to produce a made-in-America phone no longer appears on its website. The homepage banner declaring “MADE IN AMERICA” is also no longer present. The change was first reported by The Verge, which said the website now features “vague, pro-American gestures.”
The Trump Mobile website said the phone is “designed with American values in mind” and that “American hands are behind every device.” The phrase “American-Proud Design” is also listed as one of the device’s key features.
In a statement to USA Today, Chris Walker, a Trump Mobile spokesperson, dismissed concerns over the website changes.
“T1 phones are proudly being made in America,” Walker said. “Speculation to the contrary is simply inaccurate.”
Walker did not explain the altered wording on the website.
New specifications
The website also reflects changes in the phone’s specifications. It previously said the device’s screen was 6.78 inches, but now lists the screen at 6.25 inches. A section that once said the phone would have 12GB of RAM now doesn’t mention RAM at all.
Questions had previously been raised about device specifications after the phone’s battery, according to CNET, was described as having a “5,000mAh long life camera” on launch day.
The phone’s pre-order process also raised concerns after 404 Media tried to make the required $100 down payment but was charged $64.70 instead. Trump Mobile, according to 404 Media, took the payment but did not request a shipping address.
Straight Arrow News encountered the same issues when attempting to pre-order the T1, which resulted in a charge of $65.38 and no request for a shipping address.
