When you are the President of one of the world’s largest democracies, you are definitely important. And when you are that significant, you can be sure that many will go to great lengths to win your favour through various means of appeasement.
In recent months, numerous world leaders have visited Donald Trump, and he has also travelled to meet various leaders, all in an effort to strengthen ties between the United States and those nations. During these meetings, especially when leaders came to America to meet the president, they brought along various inexpensive gifts to keep the 12-year-old child in President Donald Trump entertained. This was also a practice during his first presidency, but that’s a discussion for another time.
In this current term, Donald Trump has been showered with gifts ranging from a framed photo of himself to golf clubs, a crown, and even a whole aircraft. With him, the possibilities are endless. However, the important part is not what he received, but what King Donald gave back to those who brought him these presents. A lot! If you want to quantify it, it’s around 20 billion dollars or even more. For instance, look at Argentina. What other return gifts were there, you might ask? Well, keep reading to learn more.
A gold-plated pager from Benjamin Netanyahu: During his first visit to the White House in Donald Trump’s second term, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented him with a gold-plated pager, the same ones that Israel had used to attack alleged Hezbollah members last year in Lebanon. What did Trump give Netanyahu in return, you may ask? His unwavering support in all his endeavours, including facilitating a literal genocide in Palestine.
Framed photographs of Donald Trump from Russian President Vladimir Putin: Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted Donald Trump a picture of himself, commemorating the day he escaped an assassination attempt that left him with an ear injury. The image features him with a blood-stained face and a raised arm signifying victory. In return, in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Donald Trump has been leaning more towards the Russian side. Donald Trump also received another portrait of himself from the Russian President, this time featuring the gift-giver as well.
Nobel Peace Prize nomination letter from Javier Milei: Recognising Donald Trump’s fixation on earning a Nobel Peace Prize for ending “eight wars”, Argentinian president Javier Milei offered Donald Trump a gold-framed nomination letter for the Nobel Peace Prize. In return, he secured more than 20 billion dollars to stabilise Argentina’s faltering economy, while the people in Trump’s own country endured difficulties during the government shutdown due to the decrease in SNAP benefits.
A luxury Boeing from the government of Qatar: In his second term as the President of the United States, Donald Trump was gifted one of the most lavish presents from a foreign nation, a $400 million luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar, which was meant to serve as the new Air Force One. However, it was later decided that the aircraft would be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation. And what did Qatar gain in return? Boeing and GE Aerospace secured a historic contract with Qatar Airways, a $96 billion deal to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. Additionally, Qatar became the first international buyer of Raytheon’s Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS), designed to counter unmanned aircraft. It was also announced that Qatar would construct an air force facility in the United States.
These are some examples of the exchanges between the United States government and the governments of other countries. Donald Trump has received gifts from other nations, too, in addition to those mentioned above, but he hasn’t reciprocated yet. There’s still time; perhaps he will once he is not too busy falling asleep due to his “hectic” schedule.
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