MLM Companies
ACN Inc. Review 2026
Telecom MLM with Trump endorsement — only 1% earn top-plan income
Last updated: January 15, 2026
What is ACN Inc.?
Telecom and energy services MLM founded in 1993. Sells phone, internet, TV, and energy services through a network of Independent Business Owners (IBOs). Known for being endorsed by Donald Trump on Celebrity Apprentice. Federal lawsuit filed dismissed in January 2024, with plaintiffs directed to refile in state courts.
Pros
- 32 years in business — sells services people already need
- Per-customer residual ~$10-15/mo on utility bills
- True residual on recurring telecom/energy services
- International presence in 25+ countries
Cons
- Per-customer residual moderate (~$10-15/mo)
- $499 startup fee — high barrier
- Customers must switch providers
- Federal lawsuit (dismissed Jan 2024, state courts pending)
Rating Breakdown
Residual Income
2.4
Potential for ongoing passive income
Simplicity
2.0
Easy to understand and execute
Transparency
2.0
Clear about costs, requirements, and income
Community & Support
2.5
Quality of training and community
Value for Money
3.0
Worth the investment
Overall Rating
2.2
Frequently Asked Questions About ACN Inc.
Is ACN a legitimate business?
ACN is a legal MLM selling real telecom and energy services. The $499 startup fee and difficulty convincing customers to switch service providers are significant barriers. Compensation depends on building a customer base and team.
Did Donald Trump endorse ACN?
Donald Trump promoted ACN on Celebrity Apprentice and at speaking events. It was later revealed Trump was paid for these endorsements. Trump stated in 2015 that he only promoted the company, never endorsed it as a business opportunity. Lawsuits were filed by former ACN participants citing Trump's promotion.
How do ACN representatives make money?
ACN IBOs earn residual commissions on customers' monthly service bills for telecom, internet, TV, and energy. The appeal is that customers pay bills every month, creating recurring income. In practice, customer acquisition is difficult and most IBOs earn very modest income.