Clinton tops Obama in gifts from foreign leaders

(AP) Clinton tops Obama in gifts from foreign leaders
By ANDREW MIGA
Associated Press
WASHINGTON
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has outpaced President Barack Obama when it comes to lavish gifts from foreign leaders.

State Department documents released Friday show Clinton got gold jewelry worth half a million dollars from King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

Obama’s most expensive gift was a $16,500 gold-plated clock from the Saudi defense minister.

The gifts were among a bounty of vases, watches, artwork and other items given to U.S. officials in 2012, according to the department’s Office of Protocol, which catalogs the gifts and publishes an annual listing.

But don’t look for Clinton or Obama to pocket the swag. Under law, most gifts must go to the National Archives or General Services Administration, unless recipients reimburse the U.S. Treasury for them.