Trump’s $499 ‘built in the U.S.’ smartphone will likely be made in China, analysts say, making it subject to his own tariff policy

Donald Trump, sitting at his desk in the Oval Office, looks down at his phone. (Credit: Samuel Corum/Sipa/Bloomberg—Getty Images)

• The Trump Organization announced a $499 smartphone “built in the United States” but analysts believe it will likely be manufactured in China. Experts have long warned the U.S. is incapable of creating its own manufacturing infrastructure quickly and cost-effectively. More likely, the Trump Organization will import phone components made in China to the U.S. to be assembled domestically.

Analysts and supply-chain experts are not sold on the Trump Organization touting its new smartphone as being “built in the United States,” saying it’s far more likely the $499 device will actually be produced in China.