World
Nothing Allowed On Air Force One: Trump Team Dumps Gifts From China Before Leaving
In a striking security measure at the end of President Donald Trump’s three-day visit to China, members of the US delegation reportedly destroyed or discarded all items provided by Chinese officials before boarding Air Force One.
According to on-the-ground reports, staff collected credentials, burner phones issued to White House personnel, delegation pins, and other materials given by their Chinese hosts and threw them away prior to departure.
New York Post correspondent Emily Goodin, who was traveling with the press pool, posted on X:
“Nothing from China allowed on the plane. We’re taking off shortly for America.”
Strict Protocol at Departure
The action is understood to be part of standard high-level counter-intelligence and security procedures for US delegations visiting adversarial nations. Officials routinely destroy or surrender electronic devices and sensitive materials to prevent potential spying or data compromise.
The precaution came after Trump’s final meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound. The two leaders concluded their talks with a brief stroll through the estate’s historic grounds, which feature centuries-old trees, Chinese roses, and traditional architectural elements.
Surface Cordiality, Underlying Tensions
While the visit was presented publicly as cordial, significant disagreements remain between the two powers on major issues, including trade imbalances, technology competition, Taiwan, and the ongoing war in Iran.
Trump’s trip marked his first visit to China in nearly nine years and his seventh face-to-face meeting with Xi. Despite the diplomatic pageantry, the strict departure protocol highlights the deep level of caution that continues to define US -China relations.
The president and his delegation are now en route back to Washington. No official comment has been issued by the White House on the reported destruction of materials.
