Tariff Reimbursement Details
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has processed $35.46 billion in refunds, including interest, for tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump that were later deemed illegal. According to a Tuesday court filing, the refunds are current as of May 11. The agency received 126,237 applications for reimbursements.
Customs and Border Protection validated 86,874 applications covering 15.1 million entries. Brandon Lord, a CBP official, filed a declaration with the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, stating that 8.3 million shipments have been finalized, with the expected refund and interest calculated.
Impact on Importers
Major importers, including carmakers and sportswear company Under Armour, anticipate a profit boost from these tariff reimbursements. The tariff refund report offers financial relief to businesses that paid the tariffs.
Trump Mobile Phone Delay
Meanwhile, customers awaiting the release of the Trump Mobile T1 phone, announced in June 2025, continue to face uncertainty. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., executive vice presidents of the Trump Organization, initially said the phone would be released in August 2025. The release date was later changed to September 2025, and then to "later this year" on the Trump Mobile website.
Refund Policy
Trump Mobile updated its preorder deposit terms in April 2026, allowing customers to request refunds before purchase. The company also stated it would refund deposits if it decided not to sell the T1. The terms clarify that paying a $100 preorder deposit does not guarantee the company will ultimately produce the product.
Unsubstantiated Claims
Claims circulated online that 600,000 people who had put down $100 deposits for the T1 phone would lose their money and never get a device. However, there is no evidence that Trump Mobile has refused to refund deposits. Snopes contacted Trump Mobile for comment but has not yet received a reply.
Production Uncertainties
Trump Mobile states it does not guarantee the T1 phone will be commercially released, receive regulatory approvals, secure carrier certification, or begin production within any specific timeframe. Despite delays, a Federal Communications Commission document indicates the agency certified a smartphone with the brand name "T1" in early 2026.
The tariff refunds offer a tangible financial benefit to businesses, while the fate of the T1 phone and its preorder deposits remains unclear, with customers still able to join the waitlist.
The sources also report that Trump Mobile's updated preorder deposit terms were made on April 6, 2026, allowing customers to cancel their deposits before purchase.