Group Thanks Trump for Tariff Break With Gold, Diamonds, Rubies

Dozens of diamonds spell out two giant letter T's next to the Stars and Stripes and "1776" and "2026." Dozens more frame the numbers 45 and 47 in the shape of Superman's logo. A diamond-winged eagle carries a ruby shield and clutches an olive branch of emeralds, below a radiant "250" and atop the words "250 YEARS USA" etched in 18-karat gold. All told, 321 diamonds, 56 sapphires, 13 emeralds, and six rubies encrust the watch-size gold ring presented this week to Bill White, US ambassador to Belgium, to give to President Trump.

"A very special thank you to my friends from Antwerp for the magnificent Freedom 250 ring," Trump said in a prerecorded video message played at an event marking America's 250th birthday in Brussels. Isidore Mörsel, president of the Antwerp World Diamond Center, gifted the ring on behalf of the centuries-old diamond community in the Belgian port city, a central node in the worldwide trade of the precious stones that found itself struggling last year under the weight of Trump's trade war. "May this ring serve as a lasting reminder that true partnership, like the finest natural diamonds, are formed under pressure, endure the test of time, and shine brightest when built on trust," Mörsel said. The ring's interior is engraved with the phrase "Crafted in Antwerp for Donald John Trump."

Belgium's diamond industry had won the removal of US tariffs on diamond imports. In September, AWDC said it had "succeeded in securing a zero percent import tariff" on Antwerp's annual export of more than $2 billion in polished diamonds to the US. A spokesperson for the group said on Thursday that the AWDC provided "input" to the European Commission as it negotiated with Trump on a broad deal on tariffs in 2025 but did not itself lobby the administration. The group would not provide a valuation of the ring, but two independent jewelers told the AP they estimate it at $25,000 to $35,000. Presidents have considerable discretion to accept gifts from domestic and foreign sources and may determine themselves whether a gift was meant for them personally or the nation. Four US ethics experts told the AP that Trump has broken with decades-old custom in the White House to avoid accepting such gifts.