Belgian Diamond Group Gifts Trump Jeweled Gold Ring to Thank Him for Tariff Cuts

BRUSSELS (CNA Brussels) - Ahead of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the Belgian Diamond Association has presented a luxurious gold ring, adorned with nearly 400 gemstones, to U.S. President Trump. The industry, which received tariff relief last year, views this gift as a symbol of seeking Trump's favor, sparking ethical controversy.

The gold ring, about the size of a watch, is inlaid with dozens of diamonds forming the two large English letters "T," surrounded by the Stars and Stripes and the words "1776" and "2026." More diamonds frame the number "45" and "47" in the shape of a superhero logo.

An eagle with a diamond wing grasps a ruby shield and an emerald olive branch, with "250" engraved below. The base is etched in 18K gold with "250 YEARS USA."

The ring, handed over this week to U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White to be presented to Trump, contains a total of 321 diamonds, 56 sapphires, 13 emeralds, and 6 rubies.

Trump, in a pre-recorded video during events celebrating America's 250th birthday in Brussels, said, "A very special thank you to my friends from Antwerp for this magnificent Freedom 250 ring."

Isidore Morsel, president of the Antwerp World Diamond Center (AWDC), presented the ring on behalf of the centuries-old diamond community of the Belgian port city.

Antwerp is a central hub for the global gemstone trade and faced difficulties last year under the pressure of the trade war initiated by Trump.

Morsel said, "May this ring be a lasting reminder that true partnerships, like the finest natural diamonds, are formed under pressure, withstand the test of time, and shine brightest when built on trust." Engraved inside the ring are the words, "Antwerp crafted for Donald John Trump."

In terms of monetary value, the ring is insignificant compared to the $400 million aircraft donated by Qatar and ordered by Trump to be refitted as the new Air Force One. However, it vividly reflects how those seeking to curry favor with Trump use such high-profile and almost always gilded luxury gifts to flatter the powerful.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said yesterday that the ring had not yet been formally presented to Trump.

The Belgian diamond industry received a reprieve from U.S. import tariffs on diamonds a few months ago. In September last year, the AWDC announced it had "successfully secured" zero tariffs for its polished diamonds exported to the U.S. annually, valued at over $2 billion.

An AWDC spokesperson said yesterday that the AWDC provided "input" during negotiations between the European Commission and Trump in 2025 for a broad tariff agreement but did not lobby the administration itself.

Trump has considerable discretion over gifts received from domestic and foreign sources, and can decide whether a gift is for personal use or for the nation. An exception is gifts from foreign governments, which under the Constitution's "Foreign Emoluments Clause" cannot be accepted without congressional consent. However, if the president wishes to keep it, they can repay the full value of the official gift to the Treasury using private funds.

Personal gifts should also be registered in the president's annual financial disclosure. Trump's 2025 disclosure, released this week, shows he received a sculpture valued at $250,000 depicting his victory gesture after surviving an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024.

Additionally, there were 10 tickets to sporting events, including 10 tickets to the upcoming World Cup final in New Jersey, gifted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, totaling $15,000.

Four U.S. ethics experts told the Associated Press that Trump has broken with decades of White House practice in avoiding such gifts.

To create the ring, the AWDC commissioned Antwerp high jeweler David Gotlib, whose cufflinks sell for over 15,000 euros.

Neither the AWDC nor Gotlib provided an estimated value for the ring, but two independent jewelers told the Associated Press they estimate its value to be between $25,000 and $35,000.

U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White posted on social media today that after being handed over to Trump, the ring will be displayed in the Oval Office of the White House. (Compiled by: Lee Pei-shan) 1150704

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