US Department of State Reveals Lavish Foreign Gifts in 2023 Annual Report
The US Department of State has released its 2023 annual report on foreign gifts, shedding light on the luxurious presents received by US President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and key intelligence officials, some of which are valued in the millions.
Read More: Saudi Business Delegation of High-Level Officials Visits Pakistan
Highlights from the Report
India’s Generous Diplomatic Gestures
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines with his extravagant gift of a $20,000 diamond to First Lady Jill Biden, underscoring strong diplomatic ties between India and the US.
- Indian officials also presented Kashmiri-crafted items to US intelligence officers, further enhancing bilateral relations.
- Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval gifted two unique items to US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan:
- A silver statue in January 2023.
- A wooden elephant statue in July 2023.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Gifts
- In 2022, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presented President Joe Biden with a carpet worth $525.
- In 2023, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, gifted a $600 carpet to Elin Lubacker, US Senior Director for Government Affairs.
Extravagant Gifts to US Intelligence Officials
- US intelligence personnel received gifts totaling $132,000 in 2023.
- CIA Director William Burns received an $18,000 telescope camera.
- A Libyan businessman presented a $30,000 jewelry set to a US intelligence officer.
Legal and Historical Considerations
Under US law, gifts exceeding $480 in value must be reported. High-value or historically significant items are transferred to the National Archives or the General Services Administration for safekeeping.
These tokens of goodwill highlight the role of diplomatic gifts in fostering international relations while adhering to US transparency laws.
