Trump accepts plaque with 24k gold base amid surge of lavish gifts

Donald Trump received a glass disc with a 24-karat gold base from Apple CEO Tim Cook on Wednesday, as the tech titan announced a $100 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing facilities.Why it matters: The gold bauble is the latest lavish gift presented to Trump in an attempt to curry favor with the president this year, raising both ethical and legal concerns. What they're saying: "Elected leaders and business titans from around the world are traveling to the Oval Office to make historic investments into America because of President Trump's bold vision," White House Spokesman Davis Ingle told Axios in an emailed statement. "Often these leaders are eager to share gifts highlighting the exciting work they are doing," the statement continued. Catch up quick: The president accepted a $400 million jet from the Qatari royal family earlier this year that would be worth over 100 times more than any other gift accepted by a president from a foreign nation combined since 2001, according to an Axios review of State Department data. Trump also received a full set of 1984 Olympic medals earlier this week, as he will preside over the games in Los Angeles in 2028.Zoom out: Trump has outfitted the Oval Office in many shiny gold accents this year, in ways that critics consider reminiscent of a monarchy, and in contrast to America's founding principles.The president has added two side tables supported by golden eagles, "Trump 47" gold coasters and adorned the marble fireplace with gold ornaments, amongst other things, according to a review by NPR.What other gifts has the president received? The president and the first family failed to report at least 117 foreign gifts worth roughly $291,000 during his first term in office, according to a 2023 report by the then Democrat-led House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.In that review, the Department of State indicated that the Trump administration "did not prioritize" reporting gift records to the department, causing the agency to publish an incomplete listing of gifts that did not include any foreign gifts received by President Trump.Flashback: The report found that the family accepted a Saudi dagger worth up to $24,000, two sword sets with a total value of $8,800 and multiple winter coats, one of which is valued at up to $3,000.The former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, gifted Trump multiple gold golf clubs in an attempt to create a "special relationship," including one worth an estimated $3,755. The National Archives and Records Administration has no record of the clubs and does not have them in its custody. The president did disclose the acceptance of an Ultimate Fighting Championship belt, a bronze statue depicting the flag raising over Iwo Jima, and customized golf accessories amongst other things in his final financial disclosure reports in 2021.What laws prohibit the president from accepting gifts from foreign leaders?The Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits anyone holding office from accepting any "present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."The Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act blocks the president and federal officials from keeping personal gifts worth more than "minimal value," which is currently equivalent to $480.Any gift worth more than $480 must be accepted on behalf of the United States, although officials do have the option to purchase the personal gifts themselves.Go deeper: Trump's $400 million Air Force One gift would smash presidential records

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