A State Department report reveals an extensive list of opulent gifts bestowed upon the Biden family by foreign dignitaries in 2023.
According to Newsmax, the most notable gift was a 7.5-carat diamond worth $20,000 presented to First Lady Jill Biden by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has been retained for official use in the White House East Wing.
The disclosure comes as part of an annual accounting published by the State Department, detailing gifts received by executive branch officials from foreign leaders. Federal law mandates the declaration of gifts valued above $480, with most items typically transferred to the National Archives or designated for official displays.
President Joe Biden himself received several significant presents throughout the year. These included a commemorative photo album from South Korea's President Suk Yeol Yoon valued at $7,100, a $3,495 statue depicting Mongolian warriors from Mongolia's prime minister, and a $3,300 silver bowl from the Sultan of Brunei.
The First Lady's collection of gifts extended beyond the Indian diamond. She received a brooch valued at $14,063 from Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, along with a combination gift of a bracelet, brooch, and photograph album worth $4,510 from Egypt's president and first lady.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy contributed to the presidential gift collection with a collage valued at $2,400, while Israel's president presented a sterling silver tray worth $3,160.
The State Department's Office of Protocol's report revealed particularly interesting details about gifts received by CIA employees.
CIA Director William Burns received an $18,000 astrograph from an undisclosed foreign source, which will be transferred to the General Services Administration.
Multiple CIA employees reported receiving luxury watches and jewelry sets, with most items being destroyed as per protocol. One notable instance involved an employee receiving a combined gift of an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watch, a ladies Omega Constellation watch, and various diamond jewelry pieces collectively valued at $65,100.
The destruction of luxury items extended to several high-end timepieces, including multiple Rolex watches ranging in value from $7,450 to $18,700. A collection of Amouage Perfume worth $10,670 is currently pending destruction.
The extensive list of gifts received by the Bidens and government officials in 2023 reflects the intricate nature of international diplomatic relations. While most presents are transferred to the National Archives, some exceptions exist, as demonstrated by the retention of the $20,000 diamond in the White House East Wing.
The scope of gifts ranged from ceremonial items and commemorative pieces to luxury goods and valuable jewelry. Recipients have the option to purchase gifts from the U.S. government at market value, though this rarely occurs with high-value items.
The federal regulations governing these gifts serve as a transparency measure, ensuring public accountability in diplomatic exchanges while maintaining proper protocol in handling valuable presents from foreign leaders.
