‘We’re Moving In’: How John Kelly Put America First During Chinese Squabble over Nuclear Football

Gen. John Kelly (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

White House chief of staff John Kelly challenged Chinese security officials during President Donald Trump’s visit to China in November.

Axios reporter Jonathan Swan reports that the general ignored Chinese security officials who tried to block the military aide carrying the nuclear “football” that always travels with the president.

When Kelly was informed of the squabble, he immediately told American officials to keep walking.

“We’re moving in,” he said, according to the report.

One Chinese official grabbed Kelly, causing the general to shove back. A Secret Service agent responded by tackling the Chinese security official to the ground.

The head of the Chinese security detail apologized afterwards for the misunderstanding.

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