Trump Bans Balloons, Selfie Sticks at the White House

Balloons and selfie sticks are among the extensive list of items that have been banned from the White House grounds.

As the White House announced the dates for its fall garden tours, it also shared a list of things that are not to be brought into the grounds of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

As well as the obvious, such as guns, ammunition, mace, aerosols and pointed objects, the list also rules out visitors bringing in balloons, iPads, selfie sticks, water bottles or beverages of any kind, and duffle bags.

A media release announced the dates for the garden tours, which run from Saturday, October 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, October 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. "The Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items" not deemed to be suitable for the tour, and to confiscate them, the release stated.

"However, strollers, wheelchairs, umbrellas (no metal tips), and cameras are permitted. All items needed for medical purposes will be permitted on the tour (such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, glucose tablets, and EpiPens). Please identify and explain all items needed for medical purposes to Secret Service agents upon arrival," it added.

The White House garden tours are free and open to the public, but visitors need to get tickets at the entrance. More tour dates are also expected for Spring 2018.

"During this event, visitors can discover the beauty of the South Lawn of the White House. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden and the White House Kitchen Garden will also be accessible to guests," the release said.

Security at the White House is a top priority, with the first family having already dealt with intruders on the premises since Donald Trump took office in January.

In March, a man was arrested on the White House grounds carrying mace and a letter for Trump, telling police: "No, I am a friend of the President. I have an appointment," when he was discovered close to the entrance to the executive residence. The same month another man was arrested close to the White House claiming he had a bomb in his car.

Below is a complete list of the items banned from the White House grounds:

· Aerosols of any kind

· Animals (except guide dogs)

· Any pointed object

· Backpacks (oversized)

· Balloons

· Beverages of any kind

· Duffle bags and/or suitcases

· Electric stun guns

· Fireworks / firecrackers

· Food of any kind

· Guns / ammunition

· Insulated metal containers

· Knives of any kind

· Mace

· Selfie sticks

· Smoking (including e-cigarettes)

· Tablets (including iPads)

· Toy weapons of any kind

· Water bottles