US officials accompanying former President Donald Trump discarded all gifts received from Chinese officials before departing Beijing on May 16, 2026, citing security concerns. According to reports from India Today and The Economic Times, the White House team threw away the items, including burner phones, identification cards, badges, press invitations, and souvenirs, in airport dustbins before boarding Air Force One.

White House correspondent Emily Goodin of the New York Post stated that no Chinese-origin items were allowed on the aircraft due to strict security enforcement by the White House security division and the Secret Service. She confirmed on social media that all items from Chinese officials were collected and disposed of before takeoff.

US media outlets reported that the move aimed to prevent potential surveillance or tracking. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between the United States and China over espionage and cybersecurity issues, which have remained a source of friction between the two nations.