The Trump Family’s New Mobile Phone Company Venture

NEW YORK — The Trump family announced a new mobile phone service under the Trump name, continuing a series of business ventures that have been introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency, raising ethical concerns about the influence of public policy for personal benefits.

Eric Trump, son of President Donald Trump, who helps manage The Trump Organization, stated that the initiative, Trump Mobile, will offer phones manufactured in the United States. Additionally, the service will feature a call center based domestically.

The announcement of the new mobile phone and service, called T1 Mobile, follows several real estate deals for towers and resorts in the Middle East, including a golf development in Qatar announced in April. A $1.5 billion partnership to build golf courses, hotels and real estate projects in Vietnam was approved last month, but the deal was in the works before Trump was elected.

“Hard-working Americans deserve a wireless service that’s affordable, reflects their values, and delivers reliable quality they can count on,” said Eric Trump in a statement.

Trump criticized Apple last month because it planned to make most of its U.S. iPhones in India, and threatened to slap a 25% tariff on the devices unless the tech giant starts building the product in its home country.

The Trump family company said the new, gold-colored phone available in August, called T1 Phone, won’t be designed or made by Trump Mobile, but by another company. The Trump Organization did not respond immediately to a request for more details.

The service, which will cost $47.45 a month, is partnering with existing cellular carriers with access to a 5G network. The Trump service will offer free texts and calls, and unlimited data. It will also offer free roadside assistance and a telehealth service that will allow callers to get prescriptions.