The presidency of the United States brings with it many privileges, including receiving grand and sometimes unusual tokens from global leaders. In 2025, during his second term, President Donald Trump was the recipient of an array of extravagant gifts, ranging from multi-million dollar jets to symbolic golden artifacts, highlighting a unique year of diplomatic gestures.
A Golden Theme for Trump's Second Term
Donald Trump's second inauguration in January 2025 set a distinct tone, heavily featuring gold in its decor and celebrations. World leaders appeared to take note, as a series of opulent, gold-themed presents followed throughout the year. This trend was seemingly initiated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was the first foreign leader to visit the re-elected president.
Notable Golden Gifts from Around the World
In November 2025, a consortium of Swiss billionaires, including Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour, presented Trump with a gold Rolex desk clock and an engraved gold ingot, collectively valued at $130,000. The gold bar was emblazoned with the numbers 45 and 47, marking his presidential terms. Notably, ten days after this gift, US tariffs on Swiss exports were reduced from 39% to 15%.
During an October 2025 visit to South Korea, Trump was welcomed with a replica of the ancient golden Cheonmachong crown and awarded the country's highest civilian honor, the 'Grand Order of Mugunghwa'. Earlier in February, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba gifted a golden samurai helmet, crafted in his home prefecture, costing approximately 168,000 yen ($1,100).
Apple CEO Tim Cook presented a unique gift in August: a circular glass piece on a 24-karat gold base, symbolizing Apple's investment in the American Manufacturing Program. The item was inscribed with 'President Donald Trump,' a large Apple logo, Cook's signature, and 'Made in USA'.
High-Value and Symbolic Presents
Perhaps the most valuable gift was accepted by the Trump administration in May 2025—an 'unconditional donation' of a Boeing 747 luxury jet from Qatar, valued at a staggering $400 million. Dubbed a 'flying palace,' the aircraft was slated to be upgraded for use as Air Force One.
Other significant gifts included a golden pager from Netanyahu, set in a wooden plaque praising Trump as a 'greatest friend and ally,' and a portrait from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The portrait depicted Trump raising his fist after the 2024 assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.
Gifts Beyond Gold
Not all presents were golden. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a gold club made by a wounded sergeant, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented a traditional ministerial red box, and King Charles gifted a silver photo frame with a handbound leather book.
These gifts arrive against a backdrop where, according to a 2023 House Committee report, the Trump family had previously failed to disclose over 117 foreign gifts. As the first year of his second term concludes, questions remain about which gifts the President will retain personally and which will be transferred to the National Archives, as per protocol.
