Presidential Perks: A History of Gifts Given to U.S. Leaders from Foreign Governments

The potential acceptance of a $400 million luxury jumbo jet from Qatar by former President Donald Trump, earmarked as a possible replacement for Air Force One, has ignited a debate about the ethics of accepting lavish gifts from foreign governments. While the scale of this particular offering is substantial, the practice of foreign leaders bestowing gifts upon U.S. presidents and other officials is a tradition dating back to the nation’s founding.

From exotic animals to priceless artifacts, the range of gifts received by American leaders over the centuries is astonishing. These presents, intended as gestures of goodwill and symbols of diplomatic relations, have sometimes courted controversy, raising concerns about potential foreign influence and the appearance of impropriety.

Early American leaders were not immune to the allure of extravagant gifts. In 1785, Benjamin Franklin, after completing a nine-year diplomatic stint in France, received a gold and diamond snuff box from King Louis XVI. The box, adorned with a miniature portrait of the monarch and encrusted with 408 diamonds, sparked immediate concern about foreign influence on the fledgling American government. Critics questioned whether such a valuable gift could compromise Franklin’s impartiality and create an obligation to the French monarchy.

Fordham Law professor Zephyr Teachout highlighted this incident in her 2014 book, "Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United," arguing that it underscored the potential for corruption inherent in accepting gifts from foreign powers. Despite the controversy, Franklin retained the box, and the episode ultimately contributed to the inclusion of the Emoluments Clause in the U.S. Constitution. This clause explicitly prohibits federal government officials from accepting gifts from foreign representatives without congressional consent, aiming to safeguard the integrity of American governance.

Over the years, other presidents have encountered their own unique gift-related dilemmas. In 1862, Abraham Lincoln received an unusual offer from the King of Siam (modern-day Thailand): a herd of elephants. Lincoln, however, politely declined the gift, perhaps recognizing the logistical challenges of caring for a herd of elephants during the Civil War. However, Lincoln accepted a sword of costly materials, a photo of the monarch’s family and two elephant tusks, according to a letter Lincoln sent to King Mongkut.

Later, in 1880, Queen Victoria of Great Britain presented President Rutherford Hayes with a desk crafted from the timbers of the HMS Resolute, an Arctic exploration vessel. This intricately carved, 1,300-pound desk held symbolic value, representing the enduring friendship between the two nations. The Resolute Desk became a fixture in the Oval Office, serving as a workspace for numerous presidents, including President Biden, although it was temporarily removed for refinishing in February.

Franklin D. Roosevelt received a more personal gift from British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1943: a painting of Marrakech’s Koutoubia Mosque. Churchill, an amateur artist, captured the beauty of the Moroccan landscape, creating a unique symbol of the wartime alliance. The painting later gained considerable value, being sold at auction for millions of dollars.

Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to China resulted in a memorable gift: two giant pandas named Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing. These pandas, symbolic of improved Sino-American relations, were housed at the National Zoo in Washington D.C., becoming instant celebrities and attracting millions of visitors.

The Clinton administration also received its share of gifts. In 1997, President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton were presented with a handmade rug from Azerbaijan’s leader, Heydar Aliyev, featuring their portraits woven into the tapestry.

President George W. Bush received 300 pounds of raw lamb in 2003 as a gesture from Argentina, and a puppy from Bulgaria. His father, George H.W. Bush, received a Komodo dragon from the President of Indonesia in 1990, a gift that surely posed logistical challenges.

Federal law currently requires executive branch officials to disclose any gift from a foreign government valued at $480 or more. While presidents are permitted to retain these gifts for display in presidential libraries, they cannot use them for personal gain unless they pay fair market value.

The controversy surrounding the potential Qatari jet highlights the ongoing debate about the ethics of accepting substantial gifts from foreign governments. While proponents argue that such gifts are often gestures of goodwill and symbols of diplomatic relations, critics express concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the appearance of undue foreign influence.

During his presidency, Donald Trump received a sword, dagger, and robes lined with fur from Saudi Arabia. These items, initially kept by Trump without disclosure, were later seized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after it was found that the fur was fake.

Ethics watchdogs emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in all dealings between U.S. officials and foreign governments. The Emoluments Clause of the Constitution serves as a safeguard against potential corruption, but the interpretation and enforcement of this clause remain subjects of ongoing debate.

The tradition of gift-giving between nations is likely to continue, but the scrutiny surrounding these exchanges will remain intense. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, maintaining ethical standards and ensuring transparency in international relations are more crucial than ever. The acceptance of gifts, particularly those of significant value, requires careful consideration and a commitment to upholding the principles of integrity and impartiality in American governance.