The world of presidential gifts is a fascinating one, filled with protocol, diplomacy, and sometimes, eye-popping extravagance. That was certainly the case in 2023, as a newly published accounting from the State Department reveals that President Joe Biden and his family were on the receiving end of tens of thousands of dollars worth of presents from foreign leaders over the course of the year.
Diamonds Are a First Lady’s Best Friend
Leading the lavish lineup was a gift bestowed upon First Lady Jill Biden – a stunning 7.5-carat diamond from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, estimated to be worth a cool $20,000. The impressive gem easily topped the list as the single most valuable present given to a member of the First Family in 2023.
But that wasn’t the only dazzling bauble to make its way to Dr. Biden. Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S. gifted her a $14,063 brooch, while the President and First Lady of Egypt presented a jewelry set consisting of a bracelet, brooch and photograph album collectively valued at $4,510.
Artful Artifacts for the Oval Office
Not to be overshadowed, President Biden also received his fair share of notable gifts in 2023:
- A $7,100 commemorative photo album from South Korea’s leader Yoon Suk Yeol
- A $3,495 Mongolian warrior statue from Mongolia’s Prime Minister
- A $3,300 silver bowl courtesy of the Sultan of Brunei
- From Israel’s President, a sterling silver tray worth $3,160
- A $2,400 collage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The Protocol of Presidential Presents
While the idea of world leaders exchanging glitzy gifts may seem like a diplomatic free-for-all, there are actually strict rules in place governing the practice. Federal law mandates that any presents valued over $490 received by executive branch officials from their foreign counterparts must be formally declared.
Many of these gifts end up being transferred to the National Archives or put on display, but recipients do have the unique option to purchase the items from the government at market value – an opportunity that is rarely exercised, especially for the big ticket pieces.
The State Department’s office of protocol compiles the annual list of foreign gifts, which is published in the Federal Register to provide transparency around the process.
– State Department Spokesperson
Classified Keepsakes at the CIA
An intriguing detail also emerged regarding gifts at the CIA. The report showed that several agency employees, including Director William Burns, received high-value watches, jewelry and perfume worth over $132,000 combined, most of which were destroyed due to security concerns. Burns, however, received an $18,000 telescope and astrological camera from a classified source, which will be turned over to the General Services Administration.
The annual accounting of foreign gifts offers a privileged peek into the rarefied world of presidential presents and the delicate diplomatic dance surrounding them. While the Bidens may have been the recipients of some serious luxury in 2023, the true value often lies in the symbolic gesture and the relationships they represent on the global stage.
