SOUVENIR SWIPING

Media Warned to Stop Stealing Stuff From Air Force One

Air Force One thievery is “shockingly common,” according to Politico.

Reporters and politicians who ride alongside Joe Biden on Air Force One apparently can’t help but pilfer items from it—an issue that’s become so pervasive, the White House Correspondents Association’s leadership recently emailed members to remind them not to steal, Politico reported Friday. It’s reportedly a long-standing issue on the plane, which sees some items like engraved whiskey tumblers, wine glasses, and “pretty much anything with the Air Force One insignia on it” disappear after nearly every flight. One journalist told Politico that, during their first flight aboard, they were urged to swipe a glass by a reporter sitting next to them. “‘Everyone does it,” they were told, according to Politico. Rumors have spread among journalists about who’s the biggest thief, and some reportedly pointed to an unnamed senator as being the most-notorious souvenir swiper, with a chatty aide telling Politico they stole “everything not bolted down.” Among the most expensive items reportedly swiped were gold-rimmed Air Force One plates, which were slowly stolen—one by one—over the course of multiple trips. Nobody has ever been punished for the thefts, but the correspondents association is going to start cracking down on the matter, Politico reported.