The Trump-themed memecoin TRUMP dropped 5% on May 14, even as Trump Mobile began shipping its T1 smartphone. Over the past year, the token has lost more than 90% of its value.
T1 phone journey: from unveiling to shipment, a bumpy road
Trump Mobile's T1 smartphone project has been plagued by delays since its announcement. The device's delivery dates were pushed back multiple times, and customer support remained limited. Operating as a mobile virtual network operator, Trump Mobile lacks its own manufacturing base. Instead, it partnered with an external producer to customize an existing phone model under the Trump brand.
The strategy mirrors moves by other firms. Solana, for instance, rebranded the Osom OV-1 model as its Saga phone with minor exterior changes. Trump Mobile took a similar approach: rather than building a unique device, it repurposed an existing handset with cosmetic tweaks to fit its image.
Manufacturer identity remains unclear; strong resemblance to HTC U24
Who actually makes the T1 phone? Trump Mobile has only confirmed that final assembly occurs inside the U.S., while primary manufacturing happens abroad. Last month, tech outlet The Verge observed that the T1 closely resembles HTC's U24 model introduced in 2024.
Neither HTC nor Trump Mobile responded to inquiries about the true manufacturer. The silence has fueled speculation that the T1 is simply a rebadged existing model with minimal modifications.
Market's patience with Trump-branded crypto projects wears thin
Despite the shipment milestone, crypto enthusiasm remains tepid. TRUMP token has plunged 90% in the past year, with the 5% daily drop highlighting market skepticism. Many see the T1 phone as another short-lived Trump-branded venture unlikely to provide lasting support for the token.
Industry observers watch the transition from a politically themed product to a consumer device with caution. Repeated delays and limited customer support have plagued Trump Mobile from the start, undermining confidence in the project's viability. TRUMP holders and potential T1 buyers alike question the real added value of these offerings. In the crypto sector, projects bearing Trump's name have struggled to inspire solid investor confidence with their track record so far.