According to the annual list released by the U.S. State Department on the 2nd, President Biden's family received tens of thousands of dollars in gifts from foreign leaders in 2023. The most expensive of which was a $20,000 (about 90,000 ringgit) diamond given to First Lady Jill Biden by Indian Prime Minister Modi.
This 7.5-carat diamond is undoubtedly the most expensive gift received by a member of the U.S. first family in 2023.
Jill Biden also received a brooch valued at $14,063 (about 63,000 yuan) from the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., as well as bracelets, a brooch, and a photo album valued at $4,510 (about 20,300 ringgit) from the President and First Lady of Egypt.
Federal law requires that gifts valued over $480 (about 2,160 ringgit) received by officials from foreign leaders and equivalent-level officials must be declared. Many gifts that meet the threshold are relatively "modest," while the more expensive ones are usually transferred to the National Archives or placed on official display.
According to the State Department documents, the $20,000 diamond received by Jill is retained in the White House East Wing for public use, while the other gifts received by the Biden couple will be sent to the National Archives.
Recipients can also choose to purchase the gifts at market value from the U.S. government, though this is rare, especially for high-end items.