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WASHINGTON – What, oh what, to give the leader of the free world?
From the looks of an official record of gifts to President Bush last year, it’s clear the average pen set and card won’t do.
Try an $11,000 Cartier Santos Dumont watch with an 18K white gold case, given to Bush in April 2006 by Thailand’s prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Bush – as well as first lady Laura Bush, Cabinet members and other top federal employees – received thousands of dollars worth of gifts from foreign leaders and friends last year, according to a list from the State Department. Many of these items are from the customary exchange of gifts between U.S. and foreign leaders, and the pricier ones must be turned over to the U.S. government.
Still, it’s the thought that counts. Although many presents were predictable – silver plates, cufflinks and vases – others were elaborate or downright pricey.
In January 2006, the Bushes each received some “hand-woven emerald green, fuchsia, indigo blue, orange and purple traditional Ghana Kente (cloth) with a stripe and geometric weft motif pattern” from Ghana’s president, John Kufuor, according to the description on the list.
Such presents didn’t just go to the Bushes. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice received a hand painted decorative orb with a picture of herself inside. The $800 gift was sent by a Chinese general, and it’s listed for use in the State Department’s museum.
Members of Congress also were on the list, though many of their presents were worth far less than those given to Bush administration officials.
The National Archives and Records Administration stores gifts to the president – many of which end up in their official libraries – as well as the vice president and members of their families. Under a 2006 rule, recipients may not keep gifts from foreign officials that are worth more than $305, for fear of the potential influence on U.S. policy. They are accepted, however, on behalf of the American people.
