Months after Trump Mobile promised an August release for its T1 phone, the device still had not shipped, NBC News reported on November 24, 2025. NBC News placed an order and paid the $100 deposit in August, and had received nothing.
Delays and changing details
NBC News said it called Trump Mobile’s customer support line five times between September and November. An operator promised a November 13 ship date, which passed without an update. A later operator said delivery would come at the “beginning of December” and cited the government shutdown. Trump Mobile and the Trump Organization did not respond to NBC News’ requests for comment.
The phone is priced at $499. NBC News reported that the website no longer gives a release month but still collects $100 deposits for availability “later this year.”
From “Made in USA” to “brought to life”
As we reported in June, the Trump Mobile website removed its “Made in the USA” claim within weeks of the launch. NBC News reported that the site now says the phone is “brought to life right here in the USA” with “American hands behind every device,” and describes an “American-proud design.” The company uses the same “brought to life right here in the USA” language for refurbished iPhones and Samsung devices it sells.
NBC News also spoke with Todd Weaver, CEO of Purism, which makes the Liberty Phone in Carlsbad, California. Weaver said it took six years to bring the phone from idea to production. Purism says most of the phone’s materials come from the USA, Canada or Europe, while some parts, including the chassis, are made in countries such as China and India.
Why it matters for Made in USA
Under the FTC’s Made in USA Labeling Rule, an unqualified Made in USA claim requires that all or virtually all of a product be made in the USA. The FTC has also said that claims can be implied through phrases and imagery. Vague wording such as “brought to life right here in the USA” can still suggest USA origin to shoppers, and the FTC judges claims by their overall impression.
The case shows how hard it is to build a smartphone that meets the Made in USA standard, since most components are made overseas.
FAQ
Has the Trump Mobile T1 phone shipped?
Not as of NBC News’ November 24, 2025, report. NBC News ordered one in August and had not received it.
Does Trump Mobile still say the phone is Made in USA?
No. The website now says it is “brought to life right here in the USA.”
Is there a smartphone made in the USA?
Purism makes the Liberty Phone in California, though some parts, including the chassis, come from other countries.
Source & credit
Originally reported by NBC News (Brian Cheung) on November 24, 2025: The Trump Mobile phone is nowhere to be found after months of delay
Related: Trump Mobile Pulls “Made in USA” From Its T1 Phone Website