Donald Trump is facing backlash over his newly launched smartphone and mobile service, with many users labeling the venture a “scam.”
Given Trump’s high-profile status, it’s no surprise that his latest product attracted attention—whether from loyal supporters or curious critics. Known for his decades-long career as a real estate mogul and his rise to fame on The Apprentice, Trump has never shied away from ambitious business ventures.
So when news broke that the former president was releasing a branded smartphone bundled with its own mobile service, the public was intrigued. However, early customers are now voicing serious concerns, claiming the product falls far short of expectations.
However, it seems as though expectations have fallen flat, as some users have gone on to brand the whole thing a ‘scam’ after facing a series of issues with the phone.
The Trump Organization, 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.
The Trump Mobile has come under fire (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
The brothers shared that the gold coloured ‘T1 Phone’ will be available in August for $499, with a $47.45 a month phone plan option.
With call centers based in the US for support and phones made in America, it’s all about putting America First.
“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 as per The Independent.
“Our company is based right here in the United States because we know it’s what our customers want and deserve.”
Regardless of its high hopes, some Redditors have been facing issues and now believe that the whole thing is a rip off.
The conversation began when a frustrated user posted: “I Tried Pre-Ordering the Trump Phone. The Page Failed and It Charged My Credit Card the Wrong Amount.”
Not only have people been facing difficulties when attempting to buy it, but others have called out that it is a security issue and would never be allowed to happen in other countries.
One person wrote: “Watch him sell it like ‘you’ll have a direct line to the president’. And they’ll force text messages to supporters without need to subscribe anywhere. Feels like a privacy nightmare.”
People believe Trump Mobile is a ‘scam’ (TrumpMobile)
Another claimed: “How is it this even allowed? Isn’t this a huge conflict of interest? If the president of my country released a phone of his own brand, the entire government would put a stop to that asap. Who takes a president who does s*** like this serious? Oh wait, no one does except a bunch of maga idiots.”
Someone else similarly shared: “I’m from a third world country and there is absolutely no way that s*** could happen here, proof that the US is a joke of a country right now.”
Essentially, some believe that it’s all a money-making ploy, that’ll also include other services such as becoming a way to contact buyers directly for presidential-related advertising.
People across the world also claimed that this is a conflict of interest, but one person noted that the website explicitly states that the phone is not affiliated with the Trumps, but is purely using the namesake as per an agreement.
They posted: “Trump Mobile, its products and services are not designed, developed, manufactured, distributed or sold by The Trump Organization or any of their respective affiliates or principals. T1 Mobile LLC uses the ‘Trump’ name and trademark pursuant to the terms of a limited license agreement which may be terminated or revoked according to its terms.”
Are you going to get one too, or do you have some strong feelings about this?
