Watch CBS News

Putin Soccer Ball Gift To Trump May Have Had Microchip

WASHINGTON (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - That soccer ball Russian President Vladimir gifted to President Donald Trump during the Helsinki Summit on Monday, July 16 may have had a bug in it after all.

But it's not what you're thinking.

FINLAND-US-RUSSIA-POLITICS-DIPLOMACY-SUMMIT
President Donald Trump (L) throws a soccer ball to his wife after receiving it by Russia's President Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference after a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, on July 16, 2018. - The US and Russian leaders opened an historic summit in Helsinki, with Donald Trump promising an "extraordinary relationship" and Vladimir Putin saying it was high time to thrash out disputes around the world. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Adidas, the company that made the soccer ball, said it's a "smart soccer ball" with a computer chip, camera and wireless transmitter built into it.

The U.S. Secret Service says the ball went through a security screening just like all gives the president receives.

After the Russian leader tossed it to Trump following their Finland summit, Sen. Lindsey Graham -- a Putin critic -- tweeted that he'd have it checked for listening devices.

Trump said he would give the red-and-white ball to his 12-year-old son, Barron, a soccer fan.

FINLAND-US-RUSSIA-POLITICS-DIPLOMACY-SUMMIT
US First Lady Melania Trump holds a soccer ball during a joint press conference of the US and Russian Presidents after a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, on July 16, 2018. - The US and Russian leaders opened an historic summit in Helsinki, with Donald Trump promising an "extraordinary relationship" and Vladimir Putin saying it was high time to thrash out disputes around the world. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Graham said he'd "never allow it in the White House." The White House had no update Wednesday on the ball's status.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.