Hillary Clinton Receives Half Million Dollar Jewelry Gift from Saudi Arabia
Posted on September 5, 2013 by Liz at RLJ
It has recently been revealed that on a trip to Saudi Arabia, former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received a half- million dollars worth of jewels from Saudi King, Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. The Department of State recently stated that these gifts were received in 2012 during her visit.
http://raymondleejewelers.net/blog/million-dollar-jewelry/
Where the Jewelry is Now
While many dignitaries traveling abroad often receive lavish gifts, the amount and type of jewelry Secretary Clinton received is staggering even by these standards. The United States Constitution strictly prohibits employees of the government from keeping gifts that total more than $350. In many parts of the world, especially in Asia and the Middle East, to reject such gifts is often seen as an insult. The United States Government said Secretary Clinton did accept the gifts to avoid any embarrassment. Although Secretary Clinton has the option of buying the jewelry, it was later stated by government officials that these gifts were being donated to the General Services Administration.