June 16, 2025 • 6 mins
Trump Mobile brand offers 5G plan and MAGA-themed gold phone
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:03):
Your ultimate authority for daily Elon Musk news.
Exploring the world's biggest ideas with your host Will
Walden. There's something new everyday.
Donald Trump has launched a new mobile phone service and a $499
colored smartphone, raising immediate concerns about
conflicts of interest as his family business moves deeper
(00:25):
into sectors regulated by federal agencies.
The Trump Org introduced Trump Mobile this week, offering a
$47.45 monthly plan and a gold cased T1 phone etched with the
American flag with a price and plan name, both referencing
Trump as the 47th president. This announcement came as the
(00:46):
Trump family continues to expandits businesses and its empire
during Trump's second term in office, intensifying questions
about the merging of political power and also private profit.
Now, the Trump Org, now led by Donald Trump Junior and Eric
Trump, revealed that Trump Mobile will provide 5G service
by partnering with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
(01:09):
The company claims the service will match the coverage of these
major carriers and the Gold CaseT1 smartphone, slated for
release in September, runs Android 15 and includes a 6.8
inch display, A50 megapixel camera and a 5000 milli amp
battery. Now the device also includes a
(01:29):
headphone Jack, which many manufacturers have phased out,
but the standout feature remainsits gold exterior and the
American flag engraving. Now, the Trump Sons outlined
additional features of the service, including telehealth
options, roadside assistance, and unlimited texting to over
100 countries. They stated that this product
(01:50):
launches part of a larger plan to create a package of services
bottled into one monthly fee. This move aligns with the
broader strategy of building outthe Trump brand through consumer
goods, following earlier ventures into watches, sneakers,
Bibles and also fragrances. Trump Mobile's launch coincided
with the 10th anniversary of Trump's Trump's 2016 campaign
(02:12):
announcement, further linking Trump's political career with
his commercial ventures, and thecompany says the phone and
service will be all American, with customer service operations
based in St. Louis, MO.
However, they have not provided clear details about the actual
manufacturer of the device, especially considering that the
majority of smartphones sold in the US are produced overseas in
(02:34):
countries like China, Vietnam and also India.
The decision to enter the wireless market puts the Trump
family business in direct contact with federal regulators,
creating ethical challenges for the company.
Federal Communications Commission, led by Chairman
Brendan Carr, now overseas regulatory decisions that could
(02:55):
affect the network bearing the name of the sitting president.
Trump's dual role as president and businessman has reignited
concerns about the influence of personal finance interests and
government decisions. A financial records released
last week showed that Trump's various business ventures
brought in more than $8 million in 2024 through licensing deals,
(03:15):
including those linked to consumer goods like the Trump
Bible, Trump watches and golf properties.
And the new phone business adds to this list, joining a set of
products that benefit from the president's name and position.
The T1 Phones gold design fits into Trump's personal style,
which he has described as inspired by the reign of Louis
(03:36):
the 14th and seen in his presence for gold decor both in
business and in government settings.
Now, Trump Mobile's website points out that his products and
services are not designed. Manufacturers are sold directly
by the Trump Organization or itsaffiliates.
Instead, the Trump name is used through a licensing agreement,
which gives the company a layer of separation from the direct
(03:58):
production responsibilities. Now.
This structure, however, does little to eliminate the concerns
about whether Trump's policy decisions could indirectly
benefit this decision now. The launch of Trump Mobile
follows Trump's earlier threats to impose tariffs on major
smartphone makers like Apple andSamsung, pushing them to
(04:19):
manufacture devices in the United States.
The company's marketing around the T1 phones supposed American
origin fits into that narrative,though it remains unclear
whether the phones components are made and assembled where
they are actually produced. And the lack of clarity on
production raises questions about how Trump Mobile will
(04:41):
position itself against dominantplayers like Apple and Samsung
in the competitive market. A smartphone maker presents
major challenges for new entrants.
Research by Counterpoint in May show the Apple and Samsung
control the majority of US smartphone sales with their
devices produced largely overseas.
Trump Mobile's attempt to break into the space with the luxury
(05:04):
themed device will need to overcome consumer loyalty to
establish brands and skepticism about the Trump brands technical
credibility. The Trump Organization's venture
into the mobile sector also comes as the president's
business dealings continue to expand globally.
Recent arguments include partnerships with firms from
(05:25):
Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as the launch of a new hotel in
Dubai. These deals, combined with
ventures into crypto and media, show the scale of Trump's
commercial network during his presidency.
Now, Trump Mobile reflects the Trump family's broader strategy
of monetizing the president's image across as many industries
(05:45):
as possible. The launch of the service and
device brings the family's commercial ambitions into a
sector with very strict federal oversight, magnifying the
ongoing debate about the separation of personal profit
and also public office of the President of the United States
of America. Hey, thank you so much for
listening today. I really do appreciate your
(06:07):
support. If you could take a second and
hit the subscribe or the follow button on whatever podcast
platform that you're listening on right now, I greatly
appreciate it. It helps out the show
tremendously and you'll never miss an episode.
And each episode is about 10 minutes or less to get you
caught up quickly. And please, if you want to
support the show even more, go to patreon.com/stagezero and
(06:31):
please take care of yourselves and each other and I'll see you
tomorrow.
Your ultimate authority for daily Elon Musk news.
Exploring the world's biggest ideas with your host Will
Walden. There's something new everyday.
Donald Trump has launched a new mobile phone service and a $499
colored smartphone, raising immediate concerns about
conflicts of interest as his family business moves deeper
(00:25):
into sectors regulated by federal agencies.
The Trump Org introduced Trump Mobile this week, offering a
$47.45 monthly plan and a gold cased T1 phone etched with the
American flag with a price and plan name, both referencing
Trump as the 47th president. This announcement came as the
(00:46):
Trump family continues to expandits businesses and its empire
during Trump's second term in office, intensifying questions
about the merging of political power and also private profit.
Now, the Trump Org, now led by Donald Trump Junior and Eric
Trump, revealed that Trump Mobile will provide 5G service
by partnering with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
(01:09):
The company claims the service will match the coverage of these
major carriers and the Gold CaseT1 smartphone, slated for
release in September, runs Android 15 and includes a 6.8
inch display, A50 megapixel camera and a 5000 milli amp
battery. Now the device also includes a
(01:29):
headphone Jack, which many manufacturers have phased out,
but the standout feature remainsits gold exterior and the
American flag engraving. Now, the Trump Sons outlined
additional features of the service, including telehealth
options, roadside assistance, and unlimited texting to over
100 countries. They stated that this product
(01:50):
launches part of a larger plan to create a package of services
bottled into one monthly fee. This move aligns with the
broader strategy of building outthe Trump brand through consumer
goods, following earlier ventures into watches, sneakers,
Bibles and also fragrances. Trump Mobile's launch coincided
with the 10th anniversary of Trump's Trump's 2016 campaign
(02:12):
announcement, further linking Trump's political career with
his commercial ventures, and thecompany says the phone and
service will be all American, with customer service operations
based in St. Louis, MO.
However, they have not provided clear details about the actual
manufacturer of the device, especially considering that the
majority of smartphones sold in the US are produced overseas in
(02:34):
countries like China, Vietnam and also India.
The decision to enter the wireless market puts the Trump
family business in direct contact with federal regulators,
creating ethical challenges for the company.
Federal Communications Commission, led by Chairman
Brendan Carr, now overseas regulatory decisions that could
(02:55):
affect the network bearing the name of the sitting president.
Trump's dual role as president and businessman has reignited
concerns about the influence of personal finance interests and
government decisions. A financial records released
last week showed that Trump's various business ventures
brought in more than $8 million in 2024 through licensing deals,
(03:15):
including those linked to consumer goods like the Trump
Bible, Trump watches and golf properties.
And the new phone business adds to this list, joining a set of
products that benefit from the president's name and position.
The T1 Phones gold design fits into Trump's personal style,
which he has described as inspired by the reign of Louis
(03:36):
the 14th and seen in his presence for gold decor both in
business and in government settings.
Now, Trump Mobile's website points out that his products and
services are not designed. Manufacturers are sold directly
by the Trump Organization or itsaffiliates.
Instead, the Trump name is used through a licensing agreement,
which gives the company a layer of separation from the direct
(03:58):
production responsibilities. Now.
This structure, however, does little to eliminate the concerns
about whether Trump's policy decisions could indirectly
benefit this decision now. The launch of Trump Mobile
follows Trump's earlier threats to impose tariffs on major
smartphone makers like Apple andSamsung, pushing them to
(04:19):
manufacture devices in the United States.
The company's marketing around the T1 phones supposed American
origin fits into that narrative,though it remains unclear
whether the phones components are made and assembled where
they are actually produced. And the lack of clarity on
production raises questions about how Trump Mobile will
(04:41):
position itself against dominantplayers like Apple and Samsung
in the competitive market. A smartphone maker presents
major challenges for new entrants.
Research by Counterpoint in May show the Apple and Samsung
control the majority of US smartphone sales with their
devices produced largely overseas.
Trump Mobile's attempt to break into the space with the luxury
(05:04):
themed device will need to overcome consumer loyalty to
establish brands and skepticism about the Trump brands technical
credibility. The Trump Organization's venture
into the mobile sector also comes as the president's
business dealings continue to expand globally.
Recent arguments include partnerships with firms from
(05:25):
Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as the launch of a new hotel in
Dubai. These deals, combined with
ventures into crypto and media, show the scale of Trump's
commercial network during his presidency.
Now, Trump Mobile reflects the Trump family's broader strategy
of monetizing the president's image across as many industries
(05:45):
as possible. The launch of the service and
device brings the family's commercial ambitions into a
sector with very strict federal oversight, magnifying the
ongoing debate about the separation of personal profit
and also public office of the President of the United States
of America. Hey, thank you so much for
listening today. I really do appreciate your
(06:07):
support. If you could take a second and
hit the subscribe or the follow button on whatever podcast
platform that you're listening on right now, I greatly
appreciate it. It helps out the show
tremendously and you'll never miss an episode.
And each episode is about 10 minutes or less to get you
caught up quickly. And please, if you want to
support the show even more, go to patreon.com/stagezero and
(06:31):
please take care of yourselves and each other and I'll see you
tomorrow.
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