U.S. lawmakers question T-mobile over Trump mobile ties

T-Mobile is facing questions from three Democratic lawmakers over its connection to a mobile service branded by the Trump Organization.

The concerns focus on whether the relationship creates a conflict of interest, as Donald Trump began his second term as U.S. president on January 20.

Representatives Frank Pallone, Doris Matsui, and Yvette Clarke sent a letter on Wednesday to T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert, asking him to explain the company’s role in the launch of Trump Mobile, a wireless service that includes a $499 smartphone. The lawmakers asked Sievert to respond to several questions by August 6.

Trump Mobile runs on the network of Liberty Mobile Wireless, a Florida-based mobile virtual network operator that leases bandwidth from larger carriers, including T-Mobile. Liberty Mobile was founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Matthew Lopatin.

The lawmakers want to know whether T-Mobile or its executives had any communication with Donald Trump, the White House, or the Trump Organization about Trump Mobile since January 20. They also asked whether T-Mobile has a direct business deal with the Trump Organization and, if so, what financial arrangements are in place.

Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission approved two T-Mobile deals aimed at expanding its wireless network. The approvals came after T-Mobile ended its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs following pressure from the Trump administration.