US Senators Seek Answers on Diamond Ring Gifted to Trump

Two Democratic senators have demanded answers from Belgian diamond companies regarding an elaborate gift presented to President Donald Trump shortly before his administration granted the European diamond industry a tariff exemption.

Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut sent a letter on August 10 to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre and David Gotlib Luxury Cufflinks. The letter warns that the gift could raise serious legal concerns under U.S. federal bribery statutes and potentially expose the companies to criminal penalties.

The ring, handcrafted by David Gotlib, is made of 18-carat gold and set with 321 diamonds. It was presented to the U.S. ambassador in Belgium on June 28 by the president of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, intended as a gift for Trump to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Less than a month later, on July 24, the Trump administration officially exempted European natural diamonds from new Section 301 tariffs, restoring the Belgian industry's previous zero-percent tariff access.

The senators wrote that the timing creates, at best, a glaring appearance of impropriety, and at worst, suggests foreign corporate interests can secure lucrative tariff exemptions through lavish gifts. They have asked the firms to respond by August 24 with details including the ring's value, who paid for it, and whether any tariff discussions occurred with the administration before the exemption.

Media estimates place the ring's value between $25,000 and $35,000. The White House has denied any favoritism, stating the exemption upheld a prior agreement under the U.S.-European Union trade deal signed in Scotland last July. An administration official noted the ring is considered federal property, and the president would need to pay the government its market price to keep it.