Published: 12:08 AM, 17 May 2026
US threw all Chinese gifts into trash bin reportedly
The Chinese government had provided burner phones, ID cards, and various souvenirs to the American delegation. However, the United States did not accept any of them. Before boarding the plane, all the gifts were thrown into the trash. According to a report by The New York Times, none of the gifts given by China were taken along when leaving Beijing. Instead, all Chinese items received during the visit were discarded before boarding the aircraft.
On Friday (May 16), before Donald Trump and his team boarded Air Force One, they threw away burner phones, ID cards, badges, press invitation cards, and various souvenirs provided by Chinese officials. They cited security concerns as the reason. Emily Goodin, White House correspondent for the New York Post, said that no China-origin item was allowed on the aircraft due to security concerns. The matter was strictly enforced by the White House security department and the United States Secret Service.
She wrote on social media that all items given by Chinese officials were collected and thrown into the trash before boarding Air Force One. No Chinese items were taken onto the plane.
U.S. media reports say the step was taken to prevent possible surveillance or tracking. Tensions between the United States and China over espionage and cybersecurity issues have existed for a long time.
Before returning to Washington, Trump told reporters, "We spy on them heavily too."
The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media. Geopolitical analyst Jurgen Nauditt jokingly commented that China is the only country from which Trump did not accept any gifts.
>>Agency
