13 of the most expensive, over-the-top foreign gifts Trump has received from world leaders
President Donald Trump has received some serious criticism over the last few days for allegedly accepting a $400 million plane from Qatar.
President Donald Trump has received some serious criticism over the last few days for allegedly accepting a $400 million plane from Qatar. The alleged "gift" comes after the president expressed his annoyance that Boeing has failed to deliver a brand new Air Force One after several delays.
Trump, who once bashed the nation in 2017 for allegedly "funding terrorists," is set to take possession of the plane during his trip to the Middle East this coming week. Previous reports indicate that Trump also allegedly toured a Boeing 748 owned by the Qatar Royal Family earlier this year at Miami International Airport.
The plane was a 12-year-old model that had previously served the Qatar royal family and then was operated by a company in the Isle of Man, according to two aviation websites. However, this is not the first incredibly expensive gift that Trump has received from other world leaders.
85-Piece Mar-a-Lago Porcelain Dinnerware Set
President Xi Jinping of China reportedly gifted the Trump family a porcelain dinner set during a 2017 visit to Mar-a-Lago in Florida. It was reported that the 85-piece dinner set is valued at a whopping $16.250.
It was reported that the gift also featured images of Mar-a-Lago's pink exterior.
Ruby and Emerald Pendant Necklace
Diamonds might be a girl's best friend, but this ruby and emerald pendant, which was gifted to the U.S. president by Saudi Arabia's King Salman, is surely considered to be beyond a normal gift. Priced at an eyewatering $6,400, the pendant was given to Trump in 2017. It was reported that the pendant now resides in the National Archives.
Gold-Plated Fighter Jet Model
While Pendants and dinnerware might be a nice touch to show off, nothing screams "America" quite like having a gold-plated fighter jet to show off. As you may have guessed, Trump received one such model from Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The model, priced at $4,850, comes with fully loaded missiles and rockets. Trump received the gift to celebrate Bahrain's close military ties with the United States, especially its role in hosting the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet.
Bronze Oryx Statue
Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed of Abu Dhabi reportedly gifted Trump a bronze sculpture featuring three oryx, valued at $3,700 and made by William & Son of London. The animal, which is native to Africa and the Middle East, has long been associated with the region and is often used in art and official symbolism.
It is unknown why the crown prince gave Trump the statute. However, it joins the long list of expensive gifts given to Trump.
Personalized Book of Psalms
While Trump has always touted his religious beliefs, the president was reportedly given his own book of Psalms by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz when he visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The book is reportedly valued at $4,500.
Produced by The Jerusalem Art Binder, the book was made for Trump as he was the first sitting president to make the journey. So the gift served both as a formal gesture and a record of that moment.
Gold and Diamond Necklace
In addition to the personalized book of Psalms, Trump also received a $5,800 gold and diamond necklace from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The gorgeous piece of jewelry, which now also resides at the National Archives, was presented in a cream box marked with gold symbols.
Mother-of-Pearl Nativity Scene
During his time as president, Trump received numerous religious gifts, including an incredible mother-of-pearl set depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. The set was reportedly a gift from the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III.
Each of the pieces measures about 24.5 inches and features carved figures gathered under a shooting star.
Neo-Byzantine Nativity Scene and Mother-of-Pearl Portrait
Perhaps one of the greatest religious gifts Trump has received was theNeo-Byzantine Nativity Scene and Mother-of-Pearl Portrait from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The portrait was presented to Trump when he and his wife, Melania, visited the country.
The painting was crafted on wood and framed in gilt silver with deep green and cream accents. In addition, the world leader also gave the Trumps a portrait of Melania printed on mother-of-pearl panels and framed with colorful inlays.
Mont Blanc Writing Set
While a picture might be worth a thousand words, why not try to write a thousand with the Mont Blanc writing set that was gifted to the U.S. president by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Valued at $5,264, the set came with a 149 fountain pen, an augmented paper and screenwriter pen, and sharp, polished stationery.
Gemstone Portrait
Gifted to Trump by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the $1,880 gemstone portrait of the U.S. President is reportedly set against a bold American flag, and Trump's beaming face was brought to life in shimmering stone.
Louis Vuitton Golf Bag and Photographs
It's a well-known fact that the U.S. president likes to golf. Trump's love for the sport was probably increased when French President Emmanuel Macron gifted Trump the $8,275 gold back in August 2018.
In addition to the bag, Macron also gave Trump a set of striking black-and-white photographs featuring soldiers in front of the U.S. flag, which offered a powerful tribute to their shared military past.
Bronze Arabian Horse Sculpture
The Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa of Bahrain once again seemed to ply the U.S. president with expensive gifts. This time, Al-Khalifa gave Trump a $7,200 bronze sculpture of an Arabian horse.
Given to Trump in 2019, the horses reportedly symbolized the heart of Middle Eastern tradition, and the gift celebrates Bahrain's equestrian heritage.
Black Stone Double Frame
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reportedly presented Trump with a striking gift of an intricately carved double frame made of black stone. Priced at $4,450, one side of the frame showed Trump's image while the other displayed Egypt's coat of arms.
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