Trump family unveils gold ‘Made in America' phone, mobile service
The Trump family is licensing its name to a new mobile phone service, the latest in a string of ventures announced while Donald Trump is in the White House despite ethical concerns that the US president could mould public policy for personal gain.
Eric Trump, the president's son running The Trump Organisation in his absence, announced a new venture called Trump Mobile. The plan is to sell phones that will be built in the US, and the phone service will maintain a call centre in the country as well.
The announcement of the new mobile phone and service, called T1 Mobile, follows several real estate deals for towers and resorts in the Middle East, including a golf development in Qatar announced in April. A $US1.5 billion ($2.3 billion) partnership to build golf courses, hotels and real estate projects in Vietnam was approved last month, though the deal was in the works before Trump was elected.
Even oversight of such a company, with the Trump name attached, raises ethical concerns.
Trump has already used the federal government to reward his allies and punish his enemies. The Federal Communications Commission, the primary regulatory body overseeing mobile phone companies, has already launched investigations of media outlets Trump dislikes and, in some cases, is personally suing.
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Eric Trump said Monday that consumers deserve a phone that aligns with their values.
'Hard-working Americans deserve a wireless service that's affordable, reflects their values, and delivers reliable quality they can count on,' he said in a statement.
The company would also enter a highly competitive market that includes companies that have been directly attacked by Donald Trump.
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