Could the Trump Phone be a good phone? - The Vergecast Recap

Podcast: The Vergecast

Published: 2026-02-10

Duration: 1 hr 15 min

Summary

David Pierce shares his frustrations about switching to a new phone while exploring various devices, including the much-discussed Trump Phone. The episode also features a deep dive into the Trump Phone's development and the mystery surrounding it.

What Happened

David Pierce kicks off the episode by discussing his personal journey of switching phones after years as a reviewer. He highlights the challenges he's faced, particularly with transferring his eSIM to a Motorola Razor, which has proven more complicated than expected. As he prepares to explore various phones, he expresses excitement about testing different types, including folding phones and those with keyboards, while also seeking listener suggestions.

The episode then transitions to an interview with Dom Preston, who has been investigating the Trump Phone. Dom recounts his efforts to obtain information about the phone and its associated service. Despite numerous emails and attempts to reach out to Trump's mobile team, he received little to no response. Dom explains that after an initial announcement, the Trump Phone went dark, with changes made to its marketing language that raised questions about its true origin and specifications.

Dom shares that the last significant update about the Trump Phone came shortly after its announcement, with vague language replacing earlier claims about being 'made in the USA.' As he continues to dig deeper into the people behind the phone and their connections with Liberty Mobile, he reflects on the lack of transparency surrounding the product, leaving many unanswered questions about its future and viability.

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