The latest dazzling addition to the collection was a commemorative plaque gifted by Apple CEO Tim Cook in August 2025. This plaque features a circular piece of Corning Gorilla Glass mounted on a 24-karat gold base crafted by a former US Marine working at Apple. It was presented alongside the announcement of Apple’s $600 billion investment in American manufacturing, symbolizing an intertwining of corporate influence, patriotism, and the Trump-era flair for ostentation.
Yet, this shining gift is but one of many that have sparked media attention and public debate over the years. Earlier in 2025, Trump accepted perhaps the most expensive gift ever bestowed upon a US president—a super luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from the royal family of Qatar.
Valued at approximately $400 million, this ‘palace in the sky’ was intended as a replacement for Air Force One during his remaining time in office, later to be transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation. This gift sums up to be more in cost and spectacle than nearly all presidential gifts in recent history.
According to White House spokesman Davis Ingle, these lavish gifts often symbolize historic investments and diplomatic goodwill inspired by Trump’s “bold vision” for American industry and international relations, reported Axios.
Other eye-catching presents include:
- A full set of 1984 Olympic medals recognizing Trump’s role as Chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
- Gold-plated luxury golf clubs gifted by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, intended to cement a “special relationship,” although these clubs are notably missing from the National Archives.
- Diplomatic gifts during his tenure range from a ruby and emerald pendant necklace from Saudi King Salman, valued at $6,400, to a bronze Arabian horse sculpture from Bahrain’s Crown Prince, as well as intricately carved stone artifacts and personalized books of Psalms from religious officials during high-profile visits.
- A nearly $5,000 Mont Blanc writing set from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and gemstone portraits from world leaders like Vietnam’s Prime Minister contributed further to the eclectic trove.
The White House in the Trump era is witnessing a marked shift from the traditionally understated to the extravagant and personalized, reflecting Trump’s personality and the global political dynamics of his time.
However, the acceptance of such lavish gifts has also drawn legal and ethical scrutiny. A 2023 report by the then Democrat-led House Committee on Oversight and Accountability revealed that the Trump administration failed to report at least 117 foreign gifts during his first term.
Some of these valued up to $24,000, including Saudi daggers, swords, and luxury winter coats, breaching disclosure rules governing presidential gifts. The missing gold golf clubs from Japan symbolize concerns about formal record-keeping and transparency.
Though these gifts have been accepted, there are provisions that, in cases, prohibits the US president from accepting gifts from foreign governments. Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the US Constitution prohibits any federal official, including the President, from accepting personal gifts from foreign governments or foreign officials without the consent of Congress.
The Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act (1966) governs acceptance of gifts from foreign governments. Gifts from foreign officials above a minimal value threshold (set by the General Services Administration) must be declared and typically become property of the United States, housed in the National Archives or presidential libraries unless purchased by the President.
