Trump T1 smartphone release delayed amid FTC probe

The story of the Trump T1 smartphone has taken an unexpected turn. The device was announced last summer and raised tens of millions of dollars in pre-orders, but it still hasn't gone on sale. According to media estimates, Trump Mobile received about $59 million from users who paid $100 to reserve a device that no one has ever seen in person.

Initially, the smartphone was promised for an August release, then the timeline shifted to October, but those dates were missed as well. As the delay dragged on, customers began complaining about a lack of communication from customer support, and social media filled with doubts about whether a finished product even exists. The company now claims the release has been pushed to the first quarter of 2026, citing regulatory procedures as the reason for the holdup.

American lawmakers have taken notice of the situation. Senator Elizabeth Warren and a group of Democrats have asked the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to investigate Trump Mobile for potential violations of consumer protection laws. Specifically, they are looking into the collection of deposits for a device that was not delivered by the promised deadlines.

The smartphone's advertising has raised additional questions. The Trump T1 was initially promoted as a device made in the USA, but those claims were later revised. Lawmakers believe this case could test the FTC's independence and its willingness to address potentially misleading practices.