Following cryptocurrency, sneakers, and "God Bless the USA Bibles", president Trump and his family have identified his next business venture -smartphones.

On Monday, the Trump Organization announced a new smartphone set to launch in September this year, along with a matching mobile service plan. According to its website, the phone features a gold metal casing engraved with the American flag design, runs on Android 15, and boasts a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 16MP front camera. Other specs include 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a 50MP main camera. The pre-tax price is set at $499.

The accompanying telecom service will be branded "Trump Mobile". Priced at $47.45 per month, the "47 Plan" offers unlimited calls, texts, and data, along with roadside assistance and "telehealth & pharmacy benefits". The $47.45 pricing is widely seen as a nod to Trump's dual presidential legacy - as both the 47th (2024-2028) and 45th (2016-2020) U.S. president.

"I'm incredibly excited to step into this new digital space, hard-working Americans deserve a wireless service that's affordable, reflects their values, and delivers reliable quality they can count on," said Eric Trump, executive VP of the Trump Organization and the former president's younger son, at Monday's launch event.

However, unlike previous Trump-branded products (including watches, sneakers, and Bibles), the "Trump Phone" will be produced and sold through a licensing agreement - a fact disclosed in fine print on the company's website: "Trump Mobile, its products and services are not designed, developed, manufactured, distributed or sold by The Trump Organization or any of their respective affiliates or principals."

Licensing deals and merchandise collaborations have become key profit engines for the Trump family empire. Financial disclosures filed last Friday show Trump has earned over $8 million in 2024 alone from such arrangements.

This move further cements Trump's reputation as a "business savant". While typical politicians engage in nervous "power monetization", Trump has boldly pioneered "brand-licensing monetization".

Interestingly, industry observers suggest this smartphone and "47 Plan" may simply be another attempt to "harvest grassroots supporters". For one, its $47.45 monthly fee undercuts competitors: Verizon's budget brand Visible offers unlimited talk/text/data/hotspot for $25/month, while Mint Mobile's 12-month unlimited plan costs $30/month.

Moreover, supply chain experts note the phone's specs and pricing strongly suggest Chinese manufacturing origins - only Xiaomi, OPPO and other Chinese manufacturers could deliver such hardware at this price point.