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Trump staff reportedly destroyed burner phones and credentials before leaving China, reports say
Members of President Donald Trump’s delegation reportedly disposed of burner phones, credentials and other materials before departing China after high-level meetings with Xi Jinping. The Mirror US says staffers gathered items distributed by Chinese officials to the delegation and discarded them prior to boarding Air Force One, as part of security precautions. A New York Post reporter on X quoted that the discarded items included credentials, burner phones from White House staff, and pins for the delegation, adding that 'Nothing from China allowed on the plane' shortly before departure.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights security measures during a high-profile diplomatic visit and raises questions about how sensitive materials are handled during international travel.
Timeline
1 Event
Discarding burner phones, credentials and other materials before boarding Air Force One in Beijing
May 15, 2026
According to The Mirror US, members of Trump's delegation gathered items distributed by Chinese officials to the American delegation and discarded them before boarding Air Force One. The items reportedly included credentials, burner phones from White House staff, and pins for the delegation. A New York Post reporter on X quoted security commentary, stating 'Nothing from China allowed on the plane' shortly before departure.