Air Force One Access Fight; Taiwan Surveillance Arrest

“Also, the Times says Wanying Zhang was arrested at the Los Angeles airport Sunday, accused of surveilling the Taiwanese president's son in Seattle for China!” — Chip Darnell, on air

On air: Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger on The Asia Desk
Published 2:49 AM ET, Tuesday, October 6, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “White House Blocked Politico From Air Force One for Trump’s Trip to Nebraska”, with reporting from The New York Times.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 2:49 AM ET on The Asia Desk, by Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger.
Topics: Nebraska, White House, Taiwan, China, Trump, US.
BBN covered this story before: Becton Dickinson Pledges $3B; Blaize Cuts Outlook (October 6).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesWhite House Blocked Politico From Air Force One for Trump’s Trip to Nebraska
The New York TimesU.S. Citizen Accused of Surveilling Taiwanese Family on China’s Behalf

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorHank, I have never contained anything! The New York Times reports the White House blocked Politico from Air Force One for the Nebraska trip!
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIt follows a declared ban on CNN, Politico and MS NOW. Nebraska is my favorite state, and now it has a very exclusive flight.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo the plane has a guest list stricter than a Vegas nightclub, minus the sad velvet rope. Fine.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAlso, the Times says Wanying Zhang was arrested at the Los Angeles airport Sunday, accused of surveilling the Taiwanese president's son in Seattle for China!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNothing says airport like an arrest and a seven dollar pretzel. Thank you, Chip. Futures remain open.