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In a striking display of caution, the US delegation accompanying President Donald Trump reportedly threw away every item gifted or issued by Chinese officials before departing Beijing on May 15, 2026. According to New York Post White House correspondent Emily Goodin, staff and traveling press collected credentials, delegation pins, lapel badges, commemorative gifts, and even burner phones provided during the visit and dumped them into a large bin at the bottom of Air Force One’s stairs.

“Nothing from China allowed on the plane." Goodin posted, highlighting the strict security directive. The move stems from longstanding concerns over potential espionage, surveillance devices, or malware embedded in electronics and other items handed out by hosts. Delegation members had left personal devices behind and used only clean burner phones throughout the trip.

The incident, captured in images and videos circulating online, has sparked widespread discussion about the deep trust deficit between the world’s two largest economies despite the high-stakes summit on trade, technology, and global issues. While some view it as a standard high-level security protocol, others see it as a symbolic gesture underscoring ongoing tensions. The Trump administration has not issued an official comment, but the episode adds to the dramatic optics of the Beijing visit.