Calay News
The White House under former President Donald Trump failed to report over 100 gifts from foreign nations worth more than a quarter of a million dollars, according to a report from House Democrats. Federal officials have been unable to locate a life-size painting of Trump given by the president of El Salvador as well as golf clubs from the prime minister of Japan.
The gifts include 16 items from Saudi Arabia, including a dagger valued at up to $24,000, and 17 gifts from India, such as expensive cufflinks, a vase, and a $4,600 model of the Taj Mahal. Under the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, gifts above several hundred dollars that foreign officials give to the president, vice president, and their families must be reported to the State Department.
The report from House Democrats, citing State Department records, says the number of gifts reported by Trump and his family is lower than the number disclosed by previous presidents. Although the White House did report some gifts to the State Department between 2017 and 2019, it failed to report more than 100 foreign gifts with a total value of over $250,000. It is unclear why these gifts were not reported.
The report adds to the controversy surrounding Trump’s acceptance of foreign gifts while serving as president. In 2019, Trump was ordered to pay a $2 million settlement to nonprofit organizations after he admitted to misusing funds raised by his charity for political purposes, including buying a portrait of himself. The portrait was later found hanging in one of Trump’s golf clubs.
