Washington, June 7: Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden recently revealed her desire to keep a diamond gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, due to its high value, she ultimately returned it to the federal government.
In her memoir, *View from the East Wing: A Memoir*, Biden elaborates on the strict rules surrounding gifts received by the First Family while living in the White House. The book was released this week.
Among the memorable gifts she received was a 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond, presented by Prime Minister Modi during his state visit to Washington.
Biden writes, “Sometimes, gifts were small things like flowers or wine, but occasionally, larger items were given. This included the 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It symbolized India’s efforts to lead in the field of lab-created diamonds.”
She further explains, “The diamond was incredibly beautiful. According to American ethical guidelines, this gift was not personally mine. Technically, it was given to the position of First Lady, making it federal property.”
Biden noted that gifts exceeding a certain value are reviewed by government officials and recorded. Recipients can purchase such gifts at their fair market value. Initially, she considered this option for Modi’s gift.
“The Prime Minister mentioned it was handcrafted in his hometown for $2,500, and he had the receipt. I thought I might buy it. However, the State Department later appraised it at $20,000, so I decided against it,” she wrote.
She added, “I was told I could display it in my office or borrow it for wearing. So, I had it set in a ring and wore it for official events. This arrangement lasted only during my time at the White House. After leaving office, I returned it. The ring was stored with countless other presidential gifts, many of which were later destroyed.”
This memoir highlights the financial and ethical rules associated with life in the White House, which are often misunderstood. Biden emphasizes that the detailed regulations surrounding official residences, events, and gifts aim to ensure that public officials do not gain personal benefits from government resources or foreign gifts.
Biden compared the diamond gifted by Prime Minister Modi to a bracelet given by France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron, which held emotional significance for her. She purchased the bracelet from the government to keep it after leaving office.
“I paid the State Department so I could keep it after leaving office. I still wear it every day,” she noted.
She also mentioned other gifts received during her tenure, including a brooch made from shrapnel by Ukraine, which officials valued at $14,063.
Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the United States in June 2023 was one of the most significant diplomatic meetings between New Delhi and Washington during the Biden administration. Over 10,000 Indian-Americans attended the event held at the White House, which featured a state dinner and highlighted the growing cooperation between India and the U.S. in defense, technology, semiconductors, and strategic areas.
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