Key facts
- The Antwerp diamond sector has denied any link between a diamond ring gifted to President Donald Trump and the exemption of European diamonds from new U.S. tariffs.
- The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) stated the ring was presented on June 28 for the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
- The U.S. administration officially exempted European natural diamonds from new Section 301 tariffs on July 24.
- Two Democratic senators have questioned the gift, citing potential violations of U.S. federal bribery law.
- The White House stated the exemption upheld a prior U.S.-EU trade deal and denied any special favors.
The Antwerp diamond sector has refuted claims that a recently gifted 18-carat gold ring, adorned with 321 diamonds, influenced the U.S. decision to exempt Europe's diamond industry from new tariffs. The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), representing the sector, stated in a release that discussions surrounding U.S. import tariffs were entirely separate from the ring's presentation.
The statement followed a letter from two Democratic senators who raised concerns about the gift, suggesting it could pose legal questions under U.S. federal bribery law. The AWDC clarified that the ring was designed and gifted specifically for the U.S. Embassy in Belgium's official celebration of 250 years of American independence.
The ring was presented to the U.S. ambassador in Belgium by the AWDC president and David Gotlib on June 28 as a gift for President Trump. Weeks later, on July 24, the Trump administration officially exempted European natural diamonds from new Section 301 tariffs, restoring the industry's previous 0% tariff access. The AWDC noted that its efforts to secure the 0% tariff were independent of the ring gift.
A White House spokesman denied any favors were granted to special interests, explaining that the decision to exempt the diamond industry merely upheld a prior agreement for preferential treatment under a U.S.-European Union trade deal. An administration official added that the ring would be considered federal property, requiring the president to pay its market price if he wished to keep it.