Axios: Skirmish in Beijing over the nuclear football
On Thursday Nov. 9, when President Trump and his team visited Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Chief of Staff John Kelly and a U.S. Secret Service agent skirmished with Chinese security officials over the nuclear football.
I've spoken to five sources familiar with the events. Here's what happened, as they describe it:
* When the U.S. military aide carrying the nuclear football entered the Great Hall, Chinese security officials blocked his entry. (The official who carries the nuclear football is supposed to close to the president at all times, along with a doctor.)
* A U.S. official hurried into the adjoining room and told Kelly what was happening. Kelly rushed over and told the U.S. officials to keep walking — "We're moving in," he said — and the Americans all started moving.
* Then there was a commotion. A Chinese security official grabbed Kelly, and Kelly shoved the man’s hand off of his body. Then a U.S. Secret Service agent grabbed the Chinese security official and tackled him to the ground.
The whole scuffle was over in a flash, and the U.S. officials told about the incident were asked to keep quiet about it. Trump's team followed the normal security procedure to brief the Chinese before their visit to Beijing, according to a person familiar with the trip — but somebody at the Chinese end either didn't get the memo or decided to mess with the Americans anyway.
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WNU Editor: It is interesting that this story is only coming out now .... three and a half months later. This reminds me of President Putin's nuclear football being stopped by the South Africans 5 years ago .... South African Guards Confront Russian President Putin's Bodyguards When Told That Their 'Nuclear' Suitcase' Must Be Put Through An X-Ray (March 28, 2013).
More News On Reports That Chinese Security Officials Tried To Block President Trump's 'Nuclear Football' When He And His Team Visited Beijing's Great Hall Of The People In November
Axios: Kelly, Secret Service agent scuffled with Chinese officials over nuclear 'football' -- The Hill
John Kelly, Chinese officials caused commotion over nuclear football in Beijing, report says -- Fox News
John Kelly and Secret Service agent scuffled with Chinese officials over nuclear ‘football’ in Beijing, report claims -- Japan Times
US and China reportedly scuffled over nuclear 'football' during Trump's Beijing visit -- CNBC
A Secret Service agent tackled a Chinese security official over the nuclear football when Trump visited China -- Business Insider
Scuffle over nuclear football during Trump's visit to China ends with tackled guard: Report -- Washington Times
John Kelly involved in November scuffle with Chinese officials after nuclear football blocked from following Trump: Report -- Washington Examiner
