The Trump Mobile T1 Phone is facing renewed scrutiny after popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything conducted a durability test and teardown revealing striking similarities to the HTC U24 Pro smartphone released in 2024. The gold-colored device, which reached customers in May 2026, appears to share several specifications with the HTC model, including its display resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 50-megapixel cameras, headphone jack, and microSD card slot. The investigation has raised additional questions about the phone’s originality, manufacturing origins, and marketing claims.
During the teardown, JerryRigEverything discovered that the Trump Mobile T1 and HTC U24 Pro feature nearly identical internal layouts, including matching motherboard, cooling system, and camera placements. The reviewer suggested that the Trump Phone could essentially be a gold-colored rebranded HTC device. Another surprising discovery involved the American flag design on the phone’s back panel, which reportedly features only 11 stripes instead of the traditional 13. The reviewer also questioned whether incorporating the flag into commercial branding conflicts with federal flag etiquette guidelines. Earlier marketing language suggesting the phone was manufactured in the United States was subsequently replaced with messaging emphasizing American values.
The teardown video attracted millions of views and generated widespread reactions across social media, with viewers criticizing the device’s originality, branding, and pricing. Some users praised the review for exposing similarities between the Trump Phone and an existing HTC smartphone. The controversy intensified following reports that the device’s price increased from approximately $500 to $750 by September 2026. The findings have renewed discussions about transparency in smartphone manufacturing, product rebranding, and whether consumers are receiving sufficient value for the premium price.