Biden Family Receives Tens of Thousands in Gifts from Foreign Leaders in 2023

President Joe Biden and his family were presented with tens of thousands of dollars in gifts from foreign leaders throughout 2023, according to an annual accounting report released by the U.S. State Department on Thursday. The most expensive gift given to a member of the first family was a $20,000 diamond from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was presented to First Lady Jill Biden.

The 7.5-carat diamond was by far the priciest gift among those listed in the report. In addition to the diamond, Jill Biden also received a brooch valued at $14,063 from the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., as well as a bracelet, brooch, and photograph album worth $4,510 from the President and First Lady of Egypt.

President Biden, meanwhile, received several high-value gifts, including a $7,100 commemorative photo album from South Korea’s President Suk Yeol Yoon, who was recently impeached. Other gifts to the president included 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 Israel’s President, and a $2,400 collage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Under federal law, members of the executive branch are required to disclose gifts received from foreign officials valued above $480. While many gifts that meet this threshold are modest in value, more expensive items are typically transferred to the National Archives or displayed officially. The $20,000 diamond was retained for use in the White House East Wing, while the other gifts to the Bidens were sent to the National Archives.

Vanessa Valdivia, a spokesperson for Jill Biden, confirmed that the diamond would eventually be handed over to the archives once the Bidens leave the White House, though she did not specify its current use.

Recipients of such gifts also have the option to purchase them at their market value from the U.S. government, but this is rare, particularly with high-end items.

The report also noted that CIA employees reported receiving extravagant gifts, including luxury watches, perfume, and jewelry. Nearly all of these items, valued at more than $132,000 in total, were destroyed. CIA Director William Burns, who received an $18,000 astrograph from an unidentified foreign source, is transferring the item to the General Services Administration. However, other CIA staff members had to report and destroy expensive gifts, including multiple Rolex watches and a $30,000 jewelry set.

In total, the report underscores the significant value of gifts exchanged between U.S. officials and foreign leaders, reflecting the complex nature of diplomacy and international relations.