A golden phone that President Donald Trump's family business promised to release last year remains mysteriously under wraps as the technology industry serves up a glut of new gadgets at CES in Las Vegas this week.What's more, Trump Mobile initially hailed T1 as a device that would be “proudly designed and built in the United States for customers who expect the best."But both the T1's shipping date and U.S.manufacturing ambitions gradually began to shift, even as Trump Mobile continues to accept $100 deposits for the device.Not long after announcing the device, Trump Mobile pivoted from describing it as phone that would be made in the U.S.to framing it as a device that would be “proudly American.” Trump Mobile's website now touts the T1 as having an “American-proud” design, with no further explanation.Popular ReadsVenezuela live updates: Machado says Trump deserves Nobel Peace Prize2 hours agoTrump says Venezuelan opposition leader doesn't have the 'respect' to governJan 3, 6:11 PMFBI releases images of seized motorcycles as search for Ryan Wedding continuesDec 30, 4:51 PMThe Trump Organization didn't respond to inquiries from The Associated Press about the delays or when the device is now expected to be shipped.
The Financial Times recently reported that it was told by a customer service representative for Trump Mobile that the phone will be shipped in late January and attributed its delayed release to the 43-day shutdown of the federal government last year.While the T1 has remained in a holding pattern, Trump Mobile has been selling its wireless service for $47.45 per month — a price tied to Donald Trump's titles as the 47th and 45th President.For customers looking for a smartphone that they can use sooner rather than later, Trump Mobile is also selling refurbished versions of older iPhones and Samsung's Galaxy models at prices ranging from $370 to $630.“Maybe they changed their strategy and figured out they are better off just selling refurbished phones,” Jeronimo said.
