Tech YouTuber JerryRigEverything has released a teardown of the Trump T1 smartphone, revealing that the device marketed as “made in the USA” appears to be a rebranded Chinese-manufactured HTC U24 Pro.
The investigation raises serious questions about the product’s advertised American origins and has sparked criticism of influencers promoting the device.
The Trump T1 launched by former President Donald Trump was marketed with promises of American manufacturing and innovation. The official website prominently featured claims of being “American-made, American proud,” suggesting domestic production and supporting American jobs. However, the teardown reveals a different story entirely.
According to the detailed analysis, the Trump T1 shares virtually identical specifications with the HTC U24 Pro, a device designed in Taiwan and manufactured in China two years prior. Both phones feature the same physical dimensions, angled frame contours, display resolution with 120 Hz refresh rate, and identical 50-megapixel cameras. Even minor details like the headphone jack and microSD card slot placement match perfectly.
The internal examination provided the most serious evidence. Upon opening both devices, JerryRigEverything found identical component layouts, matching motherboard configurations, and even the same model number on the daughterboard.
The final test involved swapping motherboards between the two phones. Both devices powered on and functioned normally with exchanged components, confirming they share the same manufacturing source.
The only cosmetic differences between the devices include gold paint on the frame, a modified camera plateau design, and a controversial American flag graphic on the back panel. Observant viewers noted the flag features only 11 stripes instead of the regulation 13 representing the original colonies.
The video also highlighted concerns about podcasters and media personalities who have promoted or endorsed the device without proper investigation. The creator expressed frustration that individuals in influential positions failed to scrutinize the product’s claims before amplifying its message to their audiences.
As a factory owner himself, the YouTuber called the false manufacturing claims “a slap in the face to those of us who actually do make stuff here.” He emphasized that while there’s nothing inherently wrong with Chinese manufacturing, falsely claiming American production undermines legitimate domestic manufacturers and misleads consumers.
The Trump T1 retails at a premium price point, marketed as supporting American values and industry.
