Fact Check: "Eric Trump stated that the phones for Trump Mobile would be made in the U.S., but did not disclose the manufacturer."
What We Know
Eric Trump announced the launch of a new mobile phone service called Trump Mobile, stating that the phones would be built in the U.S. and that the service would maintain a domestic call center (AP News). The mobile service aims to offer a product that aligns with the values of "hard-working Americans" and is priced at $47.45 per month (Washington Post). The phone, referred to as the T1 Phone, is priced at $499 and is described as a "gold smartphone" that is "engineered for performance and proudly designed and built in the United States" (Fox Business, NBC News). However, it was later clarified that the phone would not be designed or manufactured by Trump Mobile itself, but rather by another unspecified company (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Eric Trump stated the phones would be made in the U.S. is accurate, as multiple sources confirm this assertion (AP News, Washington Post, Fox Business). However, the lack of disclosure regarding the specific manufacturer raises questions about transparency. While Eric Trump emphasized the American manufacturing aspect, the statement that the phone would not be designed or made by Trump Mobile but by another company complicates the narrative. This suggests that while the assembly or design may occur in the U.S., the actual manufacturing process could involve other entities, potentially outside of direct Trump Mobile oversight.
The sources reporting on this announcement vary in their reliability. The Associated Press and Washington Post are generally considered reputable news organizations, providing balanced reporting. In contrast, some outlets like Fox Business and NBC News may have a more favorable bias towards the Trump family, which could affect the framing of the story. Nevertheless, the core facts about the manufacturing claim remain consistent across these sources.
Conclusion
The claim that Eric Trump stated the phones for Trump Mobile would be made in the U.S. is Partially True. While he did make this assertion, the lack of detail regarding the manufacturer and the clarification that Trump Mobile is not directly responsible for the phone's design or production complicates the claim. Thus, while the intent to manufacture in the U.S. is present, the execution and transparency surrounding the manufacturing process are less clear.
Sources
- Trump family says it's launching a mobile phone company | AP News
- The Trump family's next venture, a mobile phone company | Washington Post
- Trump Mobile to sell gold-colored American-made phones, $47.45 monthly | Fox Business
- Trump-branded wireless service launches — with a gold phone - NBC News
- Trump's Company Unveils New Mobile Cellular Service Venture - Deadline
- Trump Organization announces new 'Trump Mobile' phone | The Hill
- Meet America's newest smartphone company: Trump Mobile - ConsumerAffairs
- Trump Org Announces 'Trump Mobile' Cell Phone Service | Forbes
