Democratic Lawmakers Push FTC to Investigate Trump Mobile Phone Venture
A group of Democratic lawmakers is pressing federal regulators to examine Trump Mobile. This phone business launched by President Donald Trump's sons faces mounting questions. Hundreds of thousands of customers paid deposits for the "T1" phone last year. Many now wonder if they will receive refunds.
Concerns Over Deceptive Advertising and Unfulfilled Promises
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts led the charge. She and ten other Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission. They raised serious concerns about possible consumer protection violations.
The lawmakers specifically questioned whether Trump Mobile engaged in deceptive advertising or fraud. Their request centers on customers who paid $100 deposits. The phone was promised months ago but has yet to arrive.
Shifting Claims About "Made in the USA" Manufacturing
Initial marketing claimed the T1 phone would be "Made in the USA." That description quietly disappeared from the company's website less than a month after the June product launch. References to US manufacturing were replaced with the phrase "American-proud design."
This change has sparked online criticism and speculation. Some social media users now suggest the phone might be manufactured in China instead.
Repeated Shipping Delays and Conflicting Explanations
Customers have faced multiple missed deadlines. NBC News placed a $100 deposit in August to track progress. In October, customer service staff promised a November 13 ship date. That date passed without delivery.
A later update blamed delays on the government shutdown. This week, another operator offered a new timeline. The phone is now expected to ship "sometime in Q1 2026." The company claims it is "in the final stages of certification and field testing."
Lawmakers Cite "Bait-and-Switch" Tactics
In their letter, lawmakers urged the FTC to investigate what they called "bait-and-switch tactics involving deposits for products never delivered." They emphasized that the agency's response would test its independence. It would also demonstrate its commitment to protecting the public from deceptive business practices.
Growing Public Criticism and Calls for Investigation
Online criticism continues to intensify. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office posted on social media platform X. They called on certain journalists to investigate the matter. The post described it as "rampant fraud being perpetrated upon the American people."
Commentator Ron Filipkowski noted that "600,000 suckers pre-ordered Trump Mobile phones." He added that customers still lack their phones and receive conflicting explanations about the delays.
About the Trump Mobile T1 Phone
The Trump Mobile T1 is a gold smartphone priced at $499. It was first announced in June 2025. Marketing emphasized patriotic themes and wireless plans. Hundreds of thousands of customers paid $100 deposits. The phone has repeatedly missed launch deadlines. It still has not shipped as of January 2026.
