Trump Family Business to Launch "American-Made Smartphone" in September
Trump Mobile Unveils Gold Smartphone Priced at $499
Eric Trump: "A Phone Made by Americans, for Americans"
Concerns Raised Over Potential Conflicts of Interest
The family business of U.S. President Donald Trump is entering the mobile telecommunications industry with a service branded under the 'Trump' name. Alongside a monthly plan priced at $47.45 (approximately 64,700 KRW), they have also introduced a gold-colored smartphone priced at $499 (about 680,000 KRW).
The Trump Organization, the family business of the Trump family, unveiled its own mobile carrier brand called 'Trump Mobile' on June 16 (local time). This date coincides with the day, ten years ago, when President Trump descended the gold escalator to announce his presidential candidacy.
Trump Mobile has announced its ambition to compete with established telecom giants such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, as well as device manufacturers like Apple and Samsung.
The plan is named the '47 Plan,' commemorating President Trump's position as the 47th president. The monthly fee is $47.45.
The service offers unlimited calls, texts, and data, and allows free international calls to over 100 countries, including those with U.S. military bases. It will also include 24-hour emergency dispatch services and telemedicine services. However, the company has not disclosed specific service details, partner networks, or manufacturing partners.
Trump Mobile plans to launch the T1 smartphone as its flagship model, which runs on the Android operating system (OS) and features a fingerprint sensor and AI facial recognition lock. The price is set at $499 (67,8000 KRW), and the device has a gold exterior with an image of the American flag.
On the TrumpMobile.com website, there is a product image of the gold smartphone displaying President Trump's political slogan, 'Make America Great Again.'
Eric Trump, son of President Trump and Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, said in an interview with Fox Business, "We want to provide customer service by Americans, for Americans," adding, "We aim to offer a phone made by Americans for Americans. We intend to shake up this market."
Some have pointed out that the launch of Trump Mobile raises concerns that President Trump is pursuing private interests during his term. There are also observations that the Trump Organization has been expanding into various sectors following President Trump's election, increasing the potential for conflicts of interest. However, there is also an opinion that unless Trump Mobile surpasses one million subscribers, the financial benefit will remain minimal.
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