House Democrats Investigate T-Mobile’s Partnership With Trump Mobile

Three senior Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee have opened an investigation into T-Mobile US Inc.’s participation in the Trump Organization’s new wireless venture, Trump Mobile, and its $499 self-branded smartphone. In a letter dated July 23 to T-Mobile Chief Executive Officer Mike Sievert, Ranking Member Frank Pallone, along with Representatives Doris Matsui and Yvette Clarke, said the arrangement may create conflicts of interest because Donald Trump is serving his second term as U.S. president while his business markets mobile services using T-Mobile’s network. The lawmakers asked Sievert to detail any communications T-Mobile has had with Trump, White House officials or Trump Organization representatives since Jan. 20, and to disclose the financial terms of any direct agreements. They also want clarification of whether the partnership could influence federal spectrum policy. Responses are requested by Aug. 6. T-Mobile declined to comment on the inquiry. The probe follows the Federal Communications Commission’s recent approval of two spectrum transactions for T-Mobile after the carrier scrapped its diversity, equity and inclusion programs under administration pressure.