Trump Delegation Threw Away Gifts, Credentials, Burner Phones Before Leaving China: Report

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 23:41 IST

Trump delegation in China reportedly used burner phones, destroyed them after return, discarded China gifts, highlighting deep US China cybersecurity mistrust and espionage fears.

Members of US President Donald Trump’s delegation were reportedly instructed to destroy temporary phones, discard gifts and avoid carrying personal electronic devices during their recent trip to China, underscoring deep American concerns over cybersecurity and espionage risks.

According to a report by The Mirror US, officials travelling with Trump to Beijing used only “burner phones" — temporary devices meant for limited use during overseas visits — and were later told to dispose of or destroy them after returning to the United States.

Reports also claimed the security precautions extended beyond electronics.

Also Read: ‘We Spy Like Hell Too’: Trump When Asked About Chinese Cyberattacks On US

Before boarding Air Force One to leave Beijing, the US delegation allegedly disposed of items received from Chinese hosts, including:

• Gifts
• Badges
• Pins
• Commemorative souvenirs

According to accounts circulating online, all such items were reportedly discarded on-site and officials were instructed not to bring any China-origin items aboard the aircraft.

The delegation was also said to have left personal electronic devices at home before travelling and relied exclusively on clean burner phones throughout the visit.

Why Were Devices Destroyed?

US intelligence agencies have long warned that electronic devices carried into certain countries could become targets for:

• Hacking attempts
• Malware installation
• Data extraction
• Electronic surveillance

Security experts say even switched-off devices may be vulnerable to sophisticated cyber operations.

Destroying temporary devices after official travel helps reduce risks of compromised communications or long-term monitoring.

China-US Cyber Tensions Have Deep History

The precaution comes amid years of accusations between Washington and Beijing over cyber espionage.

The United States has repeatedly accused China-linked groups of:

• Stealing intellectual property
• Hacking government networks
• Targeting infrastructure systems
• Conducting industrial espionage

China denies such allegations and has countered by accusing the US of carrying out extensive surveillance operations globally.

The issue resurfaced during Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

When asked whether he raised concerns over alleged Chinese cyberattacks, Trump said both countries accused each other of spying.

“And he talked about attacks we did in China… What they do, we do too. We spy like hell on them too," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump further claimed he told Xi: “We do a lot of stuff to you that you don’t know about."

Security Measures Common For Senior Officials

Using disposable devices for sensitive diplomatic trips is not unique to the Trump administration.

Government officials, diplomats and intelligence personnel often avoid carrying primary phones or laptops during visits to countries viewed as cybersecurity risks.

Experts say the practice has become increasingly common amid rising geopolitical competition and more advanced surveillance capabilities.

Summit Focused On Trade, Taiwan And AI

Trump’s China visit included discussions on trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, energy ties and broader US-China relations.

Despite expectations, Trump later said tariffs were not discussed during his meeting with Xi.

The reported destruction of devices and disposal of gifts after the trip underscores how mistrust over cybersecurity continues to shape relations between the world’s two largest powers, even during diplomatic engagement.

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