Trump's new 'golden' smartphone sparks worrying conspiracy theory amid harsh tariffs on Apple
Donald Trump is no stranger when it comes to bringing out merch.
For starters, there's beachwear, golfing essentials, robes, linens, whiskey, glassware, skincare, candles, fragrances, luggage, clothing and, of course, his brand-new hats to replace his synonymous red MAGA ones as well as his other highly controversial '2028' caps.
But the 79-year-old Republican - who has previously threatened to impose a 25% tariff on iPhones if they are not made in the United States - has clearly set his sights further afield than simply T-shirts and inflatable beach balls, as his new 'golden' smartphone has sparked a seriously worrying conspiracy theory.
On Monday (16 June), the Trump Organisation, which is run by Trump’s eldest sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric, announced the self-branded smartphone and mobile service was something for 'real Americans' to enjoy.
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"Get ready to experience the power of Trump Mobile," the official website proclaims alongside an image of a golden mobile phone.
Framed as somewhat of an alternative to tech giants like AT&T and T-Mobile, this new mobile appears to be part of a greater effort to draw in conservative consumers with promises of phones made in America.
"We are going to be introducing an entire package of products," Trump Jr, said at the launch at Trump Tower in New York yesterday, with said products including telemedicine, roadside assistance and unlimited texting to 100 countries.
The duo announced that the gold coloured 'T1 Phone' will be available later this summer in September, Sky News reports, for the price of $499 (£366) with a $47.45 (£35) a month phone plan option.
"Trump Mobile is going to change the game, we’re building on the movement to put America first, and we will deliver the highest levels of quality and service," Trump Jr. said in a statement, per the Independent.
"Our company is based right here in the United States because we know it’s what our customers want and deserve."
After catching light of the news, many rushed to social media to share their thoughts.
One X user hit out: "Now that we know ZERO of Trump Mobile's phones are being made in the USA, if y'all want to know what country is getting a break on Trump's boneheaded tariffs, find out where the serial lying psychopath is having his sh*tty urine-coloured phones assembled."
"So Trump is launching a smartphone while imposing tariffs on Apple. And a mobile service that competes with existing ones. How is this not a conflict of interest? Has a single Republican found their spine yet?" questioned a second.
A third piped up: "Trump set US tariff policies to make every other company’s smartphones more expensive, and is launching a cheap smartphone to compete with those companies he’s regulating. This is next level corruption."
"It's next level corruption," agreed another. "Trump is in a position to (and is) dictating the cost based of foreign imports with a specific add-on tariff set to kick in on mobile phones.
"The Trump phone won't be manufactured in US initially, but you can bet there will be a tariff loophole. The Trump family belongs in jail."
And a final X user declared: "Trump imposes tariffs on Apple and then starts a mobile phone company that his sons are hawking all over Fox News. How in the hell is this legal?"
Tyla has reached out to Trump Mobile for comment.
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, iPhone, Technology, Shopping, Apple, Money, Tariffs
Rhiannon Ingle