Weirdest and Most Costly Items Given to a U.S. President

Overseas leaders, celebrities, and on a regular basis People have used items to the U.S. president to construct relationships, present respect, and typically make unforgettable impressions on the world’s strongest workplace, whether or not it is a “flying palace” Boeing 747, presidential portraits painted on particular person grains of rice, or a crocodile insurance coverage coverage.

Whereas federal legislation requires presidents to report items from overseas governments value greater than $480, all such presents belong to the American folks—that hasn’t stopped gift-givers from getting inventive. Under, we evaluation a few of the most memorable ones.

Trump: Luxurious Jet, Swords, Daggers, Garments, and Sandals.

In Could 2025, President Donald Trump accepted a luxurious jet from the Qatari royal household value an estimated $400 million. The plan is for the Boeing 747-8, which Qatar, the New York Instances stories, had a tough time promoting and which the president initially requested, would function Air Power One till shortly earlier than Trump leaves workplace, when possession would switch to the Trump Presidential Library Basis.

Trump, who in 2017 obtained 83 items from Saudi Arabia, together with swords, daggers, fur robes, scarves, shirts, a hoodie, a turquoise costume, and quite a few pairs of sandals, stated he could be “silly” to not settle for this “nice gesture.”

Obama: Horse Sculpture, Underwear, and Crocodile Insurance coverage

Former President Barack Obama obtained some very odd items throughout his time in workplace:

• A surfboard
• Crocodile insurance coverage from Australia
• 50 pairs of H&M boxer-briefs from David Beckham,
• A gem-encrusted horse sculpture from Saudi Arabia value nearly half 1,000,000 {dollars}
• A ping pong desk from then-U.Okay. Prime Minister David Cameron.

George W. Bush: Skates and a Lion

George W. Bush obtained a set of skates, along with wrist, knee, and elbow pads, from the then-Dutch prime minister. In 2008, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete gave Bush a stuffed lion and leopard.

Nixon: Pandas and Two Grains of Rice

Inadvertently expressing fondness for one thing may result in a present. Simply ask Richard Nixon’s spouse, Patricia. Whereas in China, she talked about large pandas and ended up getting despatched two of them.

Throughout his tenure, Nixon additionally obtained two grains of rice and a magnifying glass from Pakistan. Every grain, consider it or not, contained a portrait of him.

Roosevelt: Churchill Portray

Winston Churchill is especially identified for governing Britain throughout World Warfare II. Nevertheless, he was additionally a painter who gifted one in every of his creations to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The oil-on-canvas portray was later acquired by Angelina Jolie and offered at public sale in 2021 for £8.2 million ($11 million).

Jackson: A number of Cheese

In 1835, a dairy farmer gave President Andrew Jackson a 1,400-pound wheel of cheese. The cheese was left within the White Home lobby for 2 years, then the president invited the general public to eat it. In response to stories, the cheese was wolfed up in two hours, however the scent remained lengthy after.

The Backside Line

Exchanging items is an historic customized primarily to strengthen social bonds and specific appreciation. Usually, the purpose is to provide one thing that will probably be appreciated. Nevertheless, within the case of the U.S. President, it’s usually about grabbing consideration. That would imply sending one thing tremendous uncommon or costly, whether or not a personal jet or insurance coverage towards a large panda.