Consider This from NPR A Rolex, a gold bar, a trade deal and the ethics of presidential gifts
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Nov 14, 2025 
Richard Painter, former chief White House ethics lawyer for George W. Bush and a law professor, dives into the controversy surrounding gifts given to President Trump by Swiss executives. He raises concerns about potential quid pro quo implications linked to a tariff reduction deal. Painter explains constitutional limits on foreign gifts and contrasts current practices with those in past administrations. He emphasizes the importance of ethics rules in maintaining public trust and safeguarding government integrity.
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Gifted Luxuries Before A Trade Breakthrough
- Swiss business executives brought gifts to President Trump: a Rolex-style gold-plated desk clock and an engraved gold bar.
- Their visit preceded a deal lowering U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports from 39% to 15%.
Gifts Can Appear Like Quid Pro Quo
- Richard Painter sees the gifts as appearing to create a quid pro quo with foreign interests.
- He warns this sets a dangerous precedent for other countries and industries to buy concessions.
Legal Line Between Governments And Corporations
- Painter says the Constitution bars presidents from receiving value from foreign governments.
- Gifts from foreign corporations aren’t technically banned but still pose serious ethical risks.