US Senators probe lavish diamond ring gift to Donald Trump

Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal are seeking answers regarding a lavish diamond ring gifted to Donald Trump by Belgian diamond traders. The ring, designed by jeweler David Gotlib, is made of 18-karat gold and features 321 diamonds, along with sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. It includes diamond 'T's and the numbers '45' and '47' referencing Trump's presidential terms.

The gift was presented in connection with the United States' 250th anniversary. Shortly after the presentation, the European diamond industry was granted an exemption from Trump's 10 percent global tariff. The senators expressed concern that the gift could constitute bribery or, at minimum, represent 'inappropriate behavior' that suggests foreign companies can secure lucrative tariff exemptions through expensive gifts.

The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) has denied any connection between the gift and the subsequent tariff exemption.