The Trump Organization is making its foray into the mobile phone industry with the introduction of a new Trump-branded smartphone service. Managed by Donald Trump’s sons, the initiative aims to leverage the former president’s name for commercial gain. The company plans to offer a gold-colored smartphone produced in the United States, priced at $499, alongside a mobile service subscription costing $47.45 per month—a nod to Donald Trump’s time as the 45th president and the number 47, in reference to his presidency’s ongoing impact.
Details surrounding the partnership that will manage the mobile service remain sparse, raising questions about the ethical implications of the venture. Critics, including Meghan Faulkner, communications director for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), have voiced concerns about potential conflicts of interest. “It’s unbelievable that the Trump family has created yet another way for President Trump to personally profit while in office,” Faulkner stated.
Despite Trump’s insistence that his business interests are held in a trust managed by his children, the White House maintains that he acts in the interests of all Americans. However, critics argue that this new venture could allow individuals to seek favor with the president through consumer influence, complicating policy and regulation in an industry that now includes a family stake.
The Trump Organization did not address inquiries regarding its business partner or the ethical concerns raised by the initiative. In its announcement, the company claimed, “hard-working Americans deserve a wireless service that’s affordable, reflects their values, and delivers reliable quality they can count on,” promoting discounted international calls for military families. Customer support for the service will be based in the U.S., with pre-orders for the gold-colored smartphone already available.
This latest move reflects a long-standing business model for Trump, who has historically profited from agreements to license his name across various industries, including hospitality and golf. Since entering politics a decade ago, the opportunities for monetizing his brand have only increased. In recent financial disclosures, Trump reported earnings exceeding $600 million last year, bolstered by diverse products like Trump-branded bibles, watches, sneakers, and fragrances. Forbes estimated his net worth at $5.1 billion in March, more than double that of the previous year, attributing the increase to his dedicated supporter base, which significantly boosts the value of his social media venture, Truth Social, contributing to nearly half of his wealth last year.