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Unusual gifts received by US presidents include a gold snuff box, giant pandas, elephant tusks and personalized rugs
The White House may be courting controversy with President Trump’s plans to accept a luxury jumbo jet from the Qatari government, worth $400 million, as the potential new Air Force One — but his administration wouldn’t be the first to welcome lavish gifts from foreign leaders.
The practice goes all the way back to the founding of the country in 1776, with US leaders receiving all manner of exotic and expensive gifts from royalty and heads of government around the world.
The jumbo jet gift from Qatar is a deal for the president, not the American people
In defending the gift of a super luxury jumbo jet he’s preparing to receive from the royal family of Qatar to use as Air Force One, President Donald Trump described it as a brilliant deal. Not for the American people, it isn’t.
Qatar has a history of buying influence in the US
Doha’s decades-long history of buying influence in the U.S. is resurfacing amidst reports that President Donald Trump will accept a gifted luxury Boeing jet by the Qatari government.
Trump dismisses concerns over Qatari jet that could be new Air Force One
President Donald Trump pushed back on Democrats’ concerns over the luxury Qatari jet he may receive from the Middle Eastern country this week, while also revealing that the jet would be “free of charge.”
Trump goes on defense over Qatar jet gift
President Trump defended his decision to accept a luxury Boeing jet from Qatar, calling it “stupid” for him to turn it down amid an influx of criticism from both sides of the aisle over the gift.
Trump defends Qatar jumbo jet offer, says it would be 'stupid' to turn away free plane
President Donald Trump on Monday defended the administration's plans to receive a luxury jumbo jet donated by the Qatari government, saying it would be "stupid" not to accept a free plane, as some Democrats questioned the ethics of such a move.
During remarks at the White House on Monday, before embarking on a four-day trip to the Middle East, Trump called the donation a "very nice gesture" when pressed by reporters if Qatar had asked for anything in exchange...
Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander handed to Red Cross in Gaza
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An Israeli official has confirmed that the handover of Edan Alexander from Hamas to the Red Cross has begun.
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With Hamas reporting the handover of hostage Edan Alexander to the Red Cross - here's a quick look at how the Israeli side say today's release will unfold:
- It will follow the same procedure as previous hostage returns: Alexander will be handed from Hamas, to the Red Cross, to a special Israeli military unit...
Xi and Putin agree to ‘deepen’ China-Russia ties during Moscow talks
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a joint statement “further deepening” their partnership following talks in Moscow Thursday – a show of solidarity in the face of global uncertainties unleashed by US President Donald Trump’s “America First” diplomacy.
Xi, Putin sign ‘strategic partnership’ agreement — a day after Chinese leader took swipe at Trump admin
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an agreement Thursday deepening their “strategic partnership” — a day after the Chinese autocrat took a swipe at the Trump administration.
The heads of state met in Moscow to discuss “the most important issues,” including the Ukraine conflict and Russia-US relations, according to the Kremlin press service.
Watch: Putin Courts Xi With Full Pomp
Russian President Vladimir Putin treated Chinese President Xi Jinping to a bright fanfare and a long red carpet walk as the two leaders met at the Kremlin ahead of the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a video of the formal greeting on social media, after which Putin hailed his "dear friend" Xi ahead of the celebrations to mark 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe.