A Gift Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary After Securing Tariff Exemptions

U.S. President Donald Trump received an ultra-luxurious gold ring set with 321 diamonds as a gift in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.



A large gold ring gifted by Isidor Moersel, chairman of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) in Belgium, to U.S. President Donald Trump in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Photo by AP Yonhap News.

A large gold ring gifted by Isidor Moersel, chairman of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) in Belgium, to U.S. President Donald Trump in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Photo by AP Yonhap News.


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According to the Associated Press on July 3 (local time), the diamond industry in Antwerp, Belgium, handed over the gold ring—roughly the size of a watch—to U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White last week, asking him to deliver it to President Trump.

This gold ring is adorned with 321 diamonds, 56 sapphires, 13 emeralds, and 6 rubies. The years 1776 and 2026—marking America’s founding and the present year—are represented in diamonds, and the numbers 45 and 47, symbolizing the 45th and 47th presidents, are also featured in the design.

The phrase ‘250 YEARS USA’ is engraved in 18-carat gold. On the inside, there is an inscription reading ‘Made in Antwerp for Donald John Trump.’

Antwerp has historically been a distribution hub for over 80% of the world’s diamond supply. However, the city faced difficulties after President Trump began a tariff war following his inauguration in February of last year. The situation improved in September of last year when processed diamonds worth more than 2 billion dollars (approximately 3.06 trillion won) annually exported to the United States were granted an exemption from import tariffs.

At the handover ceremony last week, Isidore Meursel, Chairman of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), stated, “Like the finest natural diamonds, a true partnership is forged under pressure, endures the test of time, and shines brightest when built on trust. I hope this ring serves as a lasting reminder of that.”

President Trump also responded in a pre-recorded video message released at the ‘Freedom 250’ event in Brussels on June 28, commemorating 250 years of American independence, saying, “I sincerely thank my friends in Antwerp for the wonderful ‘Freedom 250’ ring.” Ambassador White shared on social media on July 3 that after presenting the ring to Trump, it would be displayed in the Oval Office at the White House.

Neither AWDC nor the creator Gottlieb disclosed the exact price of the ring, but jewelry experts estimated its value to be between 25,000 and 35,000 dollars (approximately 38 million to 54 million won).

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Meanwhile, U.S. presidents have the discretion to accept gifts both domestically and internationally, and may determine whether a gift is intended for them personally or for the country. However, gifts from foreign governments cannot be retained without congressional approval. They may be kept if the president pays the equivalent value to the Treasury using personal funds.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.

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