Sasha and Malia Obama must give up $7,000 gift from Saudi Arabia
Reuters / Kevin Lamarque
U.S. President Barack Obama holds hands with daughters Malia (L) and Sasha as first lady Michelle Obama walks behind upon their return to the White House in Washington January 4, 2010, following their vacation in Hawaii.
Elspeth Lodge February 15, 2011 – 3:53 pm
Sasha and Malia Obama are two kids who probably never get a bad gift, especially not since their father became President.
Paul Bedard, who authors the U.S. News and World Reports blog Washington Whispers reports that Sasha and Malia Obama recently received two necklaces and two diamond earring sets worth $7,275 from Saudi Arabia.
Sadly, the Obama girls, won’t be allowed to keep their new jewelery.
“The U.S. constitution prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign sources,” says U.S News and World Report. “so when foreign dignitaries present extravagant gifts to federal employees or their family members, those presents get reported to the State Department and are often stored away or put on display.”
In the past the lucky ladies received two 15-piece nesting doll sets from Russia worth $500; four scarves, one teddy bear and a jewelry box from South Korea, worth $570; four dresses, two jackets by the designer Isabel Garreton from Chile worth $815; and four books and 17 DVDs from Australia worth $470.
