When we started writing about Trump Mobile regularly, it all began with a simple post pointing out that the company’s T1 Phone had missed its original release date. Now, three months later, it’s missed another one.

As 2026 dawns, we’re into uncharted territory. Trump Mobile has repeatedly shifted the goalposts on the T1 Phone 8002 (gold version)’s release, but it has always had goalposts. The website still says “later this year,” but how are we meant to trust it now?

The Financial Times asked Trump Mobile’s customer service about the delay, and was reportedly told that “the recent US government shutdown had delayed deliveries of the phone.” If true, that probably means the T1 Phone was, like many other gadgets, prevented from getting FCC clearance to launch. Other delayed products, like the OnePlus 15, have since hit the market though.

Trump Mobile didn’t reply to my latest request for comment on when the T1 Phone will finally come out.

Got inside information on Trump Mobile or the Trump Phone? Reach out securely from a personal device to [email protected], or see our How to Tip Us page.