In an annual report released by the US State Department on Thursday, it was revealed that US President Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, received numerous high-value gifts from foreign dignitaries in 2023. Among these, the most notable was a $20,000 diamond presented to Dr. Jill Biden by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 7.5-carat diamond remains the most expensive gift received by the Bidens last year.
The Valuable Gifts and Their Origins
The diamond, gifted during Prime Minister Modi‘s visit to the United States, topped the list, followed by a $14,063 brooch from the Ukrainian ambassador to the US. A combination of gifts from the president and first lady of Egypt—including a bracelet, brooch, and photograph album—came in third, valued at $4,510.
President Biden also received a range of valuable gifts from foreign leaders. These included a $7,100 commemorative photo album from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, a $3,495 statue of Mongolian warriors from the Mongolian prime minister, and a $3,300 silver bowl from the Sultan of Brunei. Additionally, a sterling silver tray worth $3,160 was presented by the president of Israel, and a collage worth $2,400 came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Federal Regulations on Gifts from Foreign Leaders
According to US federal law, any gift from a foreign leader valued at more than $480 must be declared. While most gifts are symbolic, valuable items, such as the $20,000 diamond, are retained for official use. In this case, the diamond will be displayed in the White House East Wing, while the majority of the other gifts received by the Bidens will be transferred to the National Archives.
Federal law also permits recipients to buy the gifts at market value, though this is rarely exercised for expensive items like diamonds and luxury timepieces.
CIA Employees’ Luxury Gifts Destroyed
In a related development, the State Department’s report also included information about gifts received by employees of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). These gifts, which included watches, perfumes, and jewellery, were valued at over $132,000 combined. As per federal regulations, these items were destroyed. CIA Director William Burns, for instance, received an $18,000 astrograph from a foreign source, the identity of which remains classified. Additionally, Burns was reported to have received and subsequently destroyed an $11,000 Omega watch.
Implications of Gift Regulations
While the Bidens’ collection of high-value gifts from foreign dignitaries may raise questions regarding diplomatic relations, federal law ensures transparency and accountability when it comes to gifts received by high-ranking officials. Gifts that carry a hefty price tag are carefully handled according to US guidelines, whether by being displayed, archived, or destroyed to comply with ethical standards.
