:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/GettyImages-2214055688-98747b9e610a44749a3c9cb293d54430.jpg)
International leaders, celebrities, and on a regular basis Individuals have used items to the U.S. president to construct relationships, present respect, and typically make unforgettable impressions on the world’s strongest workplace, whether or not it is a “flying palace” Boeing 747, presidential portraits painted on particular person grains of rice, or a crocodile insurance coverage coverage.
Whereas federal legislation requires presidents to report items from overseas governments value greater than $480, all such presents belong to the American folks—that hasn’t stopped gift-givers from getting inventive. Beneath, we assessment a number of the most memorable ones.
Key Takeaways
- Presidents obtain items as a present of respect, alliances, to construct relationships, and, in some circumstances, to get favors.
- U.S. presidents aren’t allowed to maintain the items for themselves: they turn out to be the property of the U.S.
Trump: Luxurious Jet, Swords, Daggers, Garments, and Sandals.
In Could 2025, President Donald Trump accepted a luxurious jet from the Qatari royal household value an estimated $400 million. The plan is for the Boeing 747-8, which Qatar, the New York Occasions stories, had a tough time promoting and which the president initially requested, would function Air Power One till shortly earlier than Trump leaves workplace, when possession would switch to the Trump Presidential Library Basis.
Trump, who in 2017 acquired 83 items from Saudi Arabia, together with swords, daggers, fur robes, scarves, shirts, a hoodie, a turquoise costume, and quite a few pairs of sandals, mentioned he could be “silly” to not settle for this “nice gesture.”
Tip
The ban on accepting items or “emoluments” from overseas states is within the authentic U.S. Structure (Article I, Part 9, Clause 8): “No Individual holding any Workplace of Revenue or Belief below them, shall, with out the Consent of the Congress, settle for of any current, Emolument, Workplace, or Title, of any variety no matter, from any King, Prince, or overseas State.
Obama: Horse Sculpture, Underwear, and Crocodile Insurance coverage
Former President Barack Obama acquired some very odd items throughout his time in workplace:
- A surfboard
- Crocodile insurance coverage from Australia
- 50 pairs of H&M boxer-briefs from David Beckham,
- A gem-encrusted horse sculpture from Saudi Arabia value virtually half 1,000,000 {dollars}
- A ping pong desk from then-U.Okay. Prime Minister David Cameron.
George W. Bush: Skates and a Lion
George W. Bush acquired a set of skates, along with wrist, knee, and elbow pads, from the then-Dutch prime minister. In 2008, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete gave Bush a stuffed lion and leopard.
Nixon: Pandas and Two Grains of Rice
Inadvertently expressing fondness for one thing might result in a present. Simply ask Richard Nixon’s spouse, Patricia. Whereas in China, she talked about big pandas and ended up getting despatched two of them.
Throughout his tenure, Nixon additionally acquired two grains of rice and a magnifying glass from Pakistan. Every grain, imagine it or not, contained a portrait of him.
Roosevelt: Churchill Portray
Winston Churchill is principally recognized for governing Britain throughout World Conflict II. Nevertheless, he was additionally a painter who gifted considered one of his creations to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The oil-on-canvas portray was later acquired by Angelina Jolie and offered at public sale in 2021 for £8.2 million ($11 million).
Jackson: Numerous Cheese
In 1835, a dairy farmer gave President Andrew Jackson a 1,400-pound wheel of cheese. The cheese was left within the White Home lobby for 2 years, then the president invited the general public to eat it. In accordance with stories, the cheese was devoured up in two hours, however the scent remained lengthy after.
The Backside Line
Exchanging items is an historical customized primarily to strengthen social bonds and specific appreciation. Usually, the purpose is to present one thing that might be appreciated. Nevertheless, within the case of the U.S. President, it’s typically about grabbing consideration. That might imply sending one thing tremendous uncommon or costly, whether or not a personal jet or insurance coverage in opposition to an enormous panda.