Washington is ditching presidential pins for a new status symbol displayed on the wrists of President Donald Trump‘s inner circle.
For a select group of Trump administration insiders, the ultimate badge of access is now an extraordinary custom Rolex known around the capital as the ‘White House Rolex,’ according to Vanity Fair.
The eye-catching watches come in two versions, a gold Day-Date Presidential and a GMT ‘Pepsi’ model.
Both feature blue dials bearing a gold presidential seal, with stars marking the 45th and 47th seconds, a clear nod to Trump’s two presidencies.
On the back of the watch, the words ‘The White House’ are engraved.
And the watches are not official Rolex creations.
Instead, they are reportedly bought from Rolex and sent to a bespoke watchmaker in London, where they’re customized with presidential insignia and other White House details. A gold Day-Date Presidential sells for around $50,000 before any bespoke modifications.
And despite the extraordinary symbolism surrounding them, there is one catch that may surprise people.
For a select group of Trump administration insiders, the ultimate badge of access is now an extraordinary custom Rolex known around the capital as the ‘White House Rolex,’ according to Vanity Fair
Special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles and White House counsel Will Scharf allegedly own the watch
Trump did not simply hand these Rolexes out to his staff as gifts. The recipients reportedly bought the watches themselves.
Among those reported to own one are Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles, billionaire special envoy Steve Witkoff, and White House counsel Will Scharf.
The exclusive circle reportedly extends into Vice President JD Vance’s operation, with chief of staff Nick Luna and national security adviser Cliff Sims also said to have one.
Former Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita and presidential pollster Tony Fabrizio are also reportedly among the select owners.
One Washington insider told Vanity Fair, ‘There’s no one f****** rich enough in the West Wing to actually buy the watch!’
Witkoff’s personal watch collection is another reflection of his extraordinary wealth.
The billionaire has been seen wearing a rose-gold Patek Philippe Nautilus, a Rolex Daytona with a Tiffany-blue dial and an Audemars Piguet Tourbillon, three highly coveted watches that can each fetch more than $100,000.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is also reported to own one of the watches, while separately being known for wearing a diamond-encrusted Rolex Datejust, the kind of luxury timepiece that can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on the configuration.
Trump has gifted Florsheim shoes to members of his inner circle, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have both been seen wearing them
Financial disclosures titled ‘Cash Gift for Holidays,’ released this month, revealed that Trump gave four aides holiday gifts totaling $155,000. Executive assistant Natalie Harp, received $45,000
And the status symbols extend below the wrist.
Trump has gifted Florsheim shoes to members of his inner circle, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have both been seen wearing them.
There is however a separate story about Trump giving substantial gifts to members of his staff.
Financial disclosures titled ‘Cash Gift for Holidays,’ released this month, revealed that Trump gave four aides holiday gifts totaling $155,000.
Executive assistant Natalie Harp, communications adviser Margo Martin and deputy director of Oval Office operations Chamberlain Harris each received $45,000, while Walt Nauta, director of Oval Office operations, received $20,000.
A White House official told ABC News that Trump has a longstanding practice of giving Christmas gifts to people in his orbit, including employees and aides, and said the gifts were unrelated to their official government duties.
But the Rolexes tell a different story.
They’re part of a broader display of wealth and access in Trump’s Washington, alongside private clubs, luxury cars, private jets and other signs of proximity to the president.
Witkoff, one of the wealthiest figures in Trump’s orbit, is reported to have an enviable collection of luxury watches, while Wiles is known for wearing a diamond-encrusted Rolex Datejust.
For those who don’t wish to join the White House Rolex club, there’s another coveted piece of presidential memorabilia.
Trump’s distinctive red cufflinks bearing the presidential seal are reportedly handed personally to select recipients.
The red version is particularly prized, while former British prime minister Keir Starmer received a less exclusive silver pair.
