There is skepticism surrounding President Trump’s ability to deliver the much-hyped T1 Phone, but his mobile service network could start making a profit sooner than expected. 
If the former president can’t fulfill all his campaign promises, he may at least keep the one about the Trump T1 Phone and Trump Mobile service-though many remain doubtful about its success.
One major hurdle is the notion that the T1 phone will be completely designed and assembled in the US. According to Francisco Jeronimo, vice president at International Data Corp., it’s unlikely that this phone is an entirely homegrown product. The phone is expected to feature a 6.8-inch screen, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, along with a headphone jack and MicroSD card slot. Priced at $499, it’s set to hit the market in September 2025. While Trump’s team claims the phone will be manufactured in states like Alabama, California, and Florida, analysts are skeptical about the tight timeline and question whether US production is even feasible.
Experts argue that the US lacks the necessary vertically integrated supply chain to build a smartphone from the ground up. Components like displays, chips, and sensors are typically sourced from countries like China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Manufacturing a fully American-made phone would require a massive overhaul of the current supply chain, leading to extensive costs.
Adding to the confusion, some have noticed that the T1 bears a striking resemblance to the REVVL 7 Pro 5G, a Chinese-made phone priced under $180. This has led to speculation that the T1 might simply be a rebranded device, manufactured by an original design manufacturer (ODM) in China, which contradicts Trump Mobile’s claims of domestic production.
While the T1 phone may be facing significant challenges, Trump Mobile’s service plan could become profitable quicker than expected. At $47.45 per month, Trump Mobile’s plan is priced higher than many of its competitors, but analysts believe it could reach profitability with as few as 200,000 to 300,000 subscribers. The key to profitability lies in keeping operating costs low, avoiding expensive retail stores, and focusing on online sales.
Trump Mobile enters a crowded market, competing with budget-friendly options like Charter ($30/month), Comcast ($40/month), Altice USA ($25-$35/month), Visible by Verizon, Mint Mobile, and Boost Mobile. These companies already offer lower-priced plans, especially for multiple lines. Despite not being the cheapest option, Trump Mobile could find a loyal customer base among brand-conscious consumers. While its overall market impact may be limited, the service could still break even and generate a profit if it manages to stay lean.