In Washington, the latest symbol of proximity to President Donald Trump is no longer a traditional presidential pin. For members of his inner circle, status is increasingly being displayed on the wrist.
According to Vanity Fair, a select group of Trump administration insiders now wear a highly customized timepiece known around the capital as the “White House Rolex.”
The exclusive watch is available in two styles: a gold Day-Date Presidential and a GMT “Pepsi” model.
Both versions feature blue dials adorned with a gold presidential seal. Stars appear at the 45th and 47th second markers, an apparent reference to Trump’s two presidencies.
The engraving on the caseback reads “The White House,” adding another unmistakable layer of political symbolism.
Despite the Rolex name, however, the watches are not official products made by the Swiss luxury brand.
The watches are reportedly purchased from Rolex before being shipped to a London-based bespoke watchmaker for customization. Presidential insignia and other White House details are then added. A gold Day-Date Presidential costs about $50,000 before those modifications.
There is also an unexpected detail behind the exclusive timepieces: Trump reportedly did not give them to his aides as gifts.
According to Vanity Fair, the custom “White House Rolex” has become a coveted symbol of access among a select group of Trump administration insiders
Special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles and White House counsel Will Scharf allegedly own the watch
Instead, those who have one reportedly paid for the watches themselves.
The reported owners include Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles; billionaire special envoy Steve Witkoff; and White House counsel Will Scharf.
The circle is said to extend into Vice President JD Vance’s office, where chief of staff Nick Luna and national security adviser Cliff Sims reportedly also own a watch.
Former Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita and presidential pollster Tony Fabrizio are also reportedly among the limited number of owners.
“There’s no one f****** rich enough in the West Wing to actually buy the watch!” one Washington insider told Vanity Fair.
Witkoff’s broader collection of luxury watches offers another glimpse into his considerable wealth.
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The billionaire has been photographed wearing a rose-gold Patek Philippe Nautilus, a Rolex Daytona with a Tiffany-blue dial and an Audemars Piguet Tourbillon. Each of the highly sought-after watches can command more than $100,000.
Wiles is also reportedly a White House Rolex owner. Separately, she is known for wearing a diamond-encrusted Rolex Datejust, a luxury model that can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on its specifications.
Trump has given Florsheim shoes to members of his inner circle, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both of whom have been seen wearing them
Financial disclosures titled “Cash Gift for Holidays,” released this month, showed that Trump gave four aides holiday gifts worth a combined $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.