Takeaways:
- First Lady Jill Biden received a $20,000 diamond as the most expensive gift among tens of thousands of dollars worth of presents to the Biden family in 2023.
- Federal law mandates disclosure and specific handling of valuable foreign gifts.
- Some high-value gifts to CIA employees were destroyed for security and ethical reasons.
President Joe Biden and his family received tens of thousands of dollars in gifts from foreign leaders in 2023, according to a State Department report released Thursday. Among these, First Lady Jill Biden received a 7.5-carat diamond valued at $20,000 from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking it as the most expensive item gifted to the first family that year.
Gifts to the First Lady and President
In addition to the diamond, Jill Biden was presented with a $14,063 brooch from the Ukrainian ambassador and a jewelry set, including a bracelet, brooch, and photo album, worth $4,510 from the president and first lady of Egypt.
President Biden’s notable gifts included:
- A $7,100 commemorative photo album from South Korea’s impeached President Suk Yeol Yoon.
- A $3,495 statue of Mongolian warriors from the Mongolian Prime Minister.
- A $3,300 silver bowl from the Sultan of Brunei.
- A $3,160 sterling silver tray from the President of Israel.
- A $2,400 collage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Handling of High-Value Gifts
Federal law requires officials in the executive branch to declare gifts exceeding $480 in value. These items are typically transferred to the National Archives or displayed officially. However, recipients may choose to purchase these gifts at market value, a rare occurrence for high-value items.
The $20,000 diamond has been retained for official use in the White House East Wing, according to the State Department’s report. Other gifts, including the ones received by President Biden, were sent to the National Archives.
CIA Employees Receive Lavish Gifts
The report also highlighted significant gifts to CIA employees, totaling more than $132,000 in value. However, many of these items, including watches, jewelry, and perfume, were destroyed for security and ethical reasons. Notable items included:
- An $18,000 astrograph gifted to CIA Director William Burns, which was transferred to the General Services Administration.
- An $11,000 Omega watch destroyed by Burns.
- A $30,000 women’s jewelry set from Libyan jeweler Al Grew, including a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings.
- Multiple luxury watches, including Rolex and Omega models, collectively valued at over $40,000.
Security and Ethical Considerations
The destruction of high-value items underscores the U.S. government’s stringent protocols for handling foreign gifts, especially in sensitive agencies like the CIA. This practice ensures ethical compliance and prevents potential security risks associated with accepting such items.
Conclusion
The disclosure of these gifts provides insight into the ceremonial and diplomatic exchanges between the U.S. and foreign governments. While the symbolic value of these items is significant, their handling reflects the balance between honoring diplomatic traditions and adhering to federal regulations.
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