Donald Trump 'bans White House staff from using personal mobile phones'

Staffers said to be scared they will be totally cut off from their partners and children during the working day

The White House is believed to be banning staff members from using their personal mobile phones in the workplace in spite of employees voicing fears they will be wholly disconnected from loved ones.

Two White House officials, who chose to remain anonymous, told Bloomberg US president Donald Trump would not permit his aides to use their mobiles while on the White House grounds.

Chief of Staff John Kelly is said to have imposed the ban and cited security concerns for doing so.

One aide told the publication the controversial ban would be implemented from this Friday onwards.

White House aides against the prohibition of personal mobiles railed against the fact they are not able to use their work phones for personal use.

They also drew attention to the fact work telephones can’t accommodate texting, explaining this is a problem given texting is often the best way for their children, partners, and other relatives to contact them on a hectic day.

Despite the fact the US president has perpetually complained about the number of leaks about his administration, aides said the move was not linked to worries about unsanctioned revelations to news publications.

One official said too many devices were linked to the White House wireless network and personal phones are not as secure as those the government has issued.

This follows reports the White House was considering banning its employees from using personal mobiles at work last November. This was said to be prompted by concerns about cyber-security.

The White House already takes substantial precautions with wireless devices, including a requirement for officials to leave phones in cupboards outside of meeting rooms where sensitive or classified information is addressed.

Early in the administration, former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer demanded members of his staff turn over their mobile phones for random checks to discern whether they had divulged damaging information to the press.

In spite of this, last May it emerged Mr Trump had been handing out his mobile phone number to world leaders and urging them to call him directly.

The invitation not only broke diplomatic protocol but raised concerns about the security and secrecy of the US commander-in-chief's communications.

As the first mobile phone carrying president, Barack Obama sparked concerns about cyber intrusions, particularly by foreign governments.

Nevertheless, in the end, concerns pulled the former president's devices firmly into the security bubble. According to former aides, many of the functions on Obama's BlackBerry were blocked and only a very small number of individuals had access to his phone number or email address.