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

Overseas leaders, celebrities, and on a regular basis People have used presents to the U.S. president to construct relationships, present respect, and generally 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 presents from overseas governments price greater than $480, all such presents belong to the American folks—that hasn’t stopped gift-givers from getting inventive. Beneath, we overview 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 price an estimated $400 million. The plan is for the Boeing 747-8, which Qatar, the New York Instances studies, had a tough time promoting and which the president initially requested, would function Air Pressure One till shortly earlier than Trump leaves workplace, when possession would switch to the Trump Presidential Library Basis.

Trump, who in 2017 acquired 83 presents 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 can be “silly” to not settle for this “nice gesture.”

Obama: Horse Sculpture, Underwear, and Crocodile Insurance coverage

Former President Barack Obama acquired some very odd presents 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 price nearly half 1,000,000 {dollars}
• A ping pong desk from then-U.Ok. Prime Minister David Cameron.

George W. Bush: Skates and a Lion

George W. Bush acquired 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 acquired two grains of rice and a magnifying glass from Pakistan. Every grain, imagine it or not, contained a portrait of him.

Roosevelt: Churchill Portray

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

Jackson: Plenty 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. Based on studies, the cheese was wolfed up in two hours, however the scent remained lengthy after.

The Backside Line

Exchanging presents is an historical customized primarily to strengthen social bonds and categorical appreciation. Usually, the purpose is to provide one thing that will likely be appreciated. Nonetheless, within the case of the U.S. President, it’s typically about grabbing consideration. That might imply sending one thing tremendous uncommon or costly, whether or not a personal jet or insurance coverage towards an enormous panda.