White House Staffers Banned From Using Cell Phones On Thursday, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a statement that staffers in the west wing can only use government-issues devices. The security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House is a top priority for the Trump administration… starting next week the use of all personal devices for both guests and staff will no longer be allowed in the West Wing. The ban was imposed by Chief of Staff John Kelly due to security concerns, and an official told Bloomberg that personal phones aren't as secure as government ones. Staffers have reportedly complained that the new policy will make it difficult to contact family members.