EU Officials Fear Trump Spying, Use Burner Phones

European officials are reportedly taking extraordinary precautions to protect their communications while traveling to the United States, including the use of disposable “burner” phones and heightened security protocols. The shift comes amid growing anxieties that the Trump administration may be conducting surveillance on foreign dignitaries.

According to four sources who spoke with the Financial Times, officials attending recent meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank received new guidance emphasizing counter-espionage measures. These precautions mirror those previously implemented for travel to countries like Ukraine and China, where concerns about Russian and Chinese surveillance are prevalent. The concern, as one official explained, is preventing access to their communication “commission systems.”

The development signals a significant erosion of trust between the United States and its European allies. One source went so far as to declare the “transatlantic alliance is over,” a stark assessment of the current state of relations.

The heightened security measures come at a sensitive time, as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is scheduled to meet with EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to address escalating trade tensions sparked by recent tariffs imposed on European countries by the Trump administration. The Financial Times reported the guidance for all staff traveling to the US now includes recommendations to power down phones upon entering the country and utilize specialized sleeves to shield them from potential spying if left unattended.

This situation is deeply concerning. While governments routinely engage in intelligence gathering, the reported level of distrust necessitating such drastic measures from allies suggests a fundamental breakdown in diplomatic norms. The use of burner phones isn’t simply about protecting sensitive information; it’s a symbolic act demonstrating a lack of confidence in the integrity of communications within the United States. The potential long-term damage to transatlantic relations, if these concerns aren’t addressed, could be substantial, impacting global economic stability and security cooperation.