Putin's football gift to Trump gets routine security check

During a joint news conference after their summit this week in Finland, Putin used soccer metaphors and was handed a soccer ball that he tossed to Trump.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a soccer ball to U.S. President Donald Trump, left, during a press conference after their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, Monday, July 16, 2018. | Associated Press

WASHINGTON: The red-and-white football tossed to President Donald Trump by Russia's Vladimir Putin is undergoing a routine security screening.

The US Secret Service says that's standard for all gifts to the president.

During a joint news conference after their summit this week in Finland, Putin used soccer metaphors and was handed a soccer ball that he tossed to Trump.

Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup.

Trump said he'd give the ball to his 12-year-old son Barron, a soccer fan.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Putin critic, tweeted after the exchange that he'd have the ball checked for listening devices and "never allow it in the White House."

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told a security conference he's sure the ball "has been looked at very carefully."