Washington: US President Joe Biden and his family received luxurious gifts worth thousands of dollars from foreign leaders in 2023, according to an official report. Among these, the most valuable gift came from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He presented First Lady Jill Biden with a 7.5-carat diamond valued at $20,000.
The diamond, the priciest gift received by the Biden family last year, has been kept in the East Wing of the White House for official use. Other notable gifts included a brooch worth $14,063 from the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States and a collection of a bracelet, brooch, and photo album worth $4,510 from the President and First Lady of Egypt.
Different gifts received from many countries
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol contributed a commemorative photo album worth $7,100, while Mongolian Prime Minister gifted a statue of Mongol warriors valued at $3,495.
Other items included a $3,300 silver bowl from the Sultan of Brunei, a $3,160 sterling silver tray from the President of Israel, and a $2,400 collage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Total gifts worth $480,000
Federal law mandates that executive branch officials disclose any gifts received from foreign leaders. Most of these items, including the diamond, were either stored for official use or sent to the National Archives. Some have been placed on public display, offering a glimpse into the global relationships of the US presidency.
The total value of the reported gifts exceeds $480,000.
