In Washington, presidential pins are giving way to a far more lavish symbol of access: a custom Rolex worn by members of President Donald Trump’s inner circle.
According to Vanity Fair, a select group of Trump administration insiders now regard the so-called “White House Rolex” as the capital’s ultimate badge of influence and proximity to power.
The exclusive timepieces reportedly come in two styles: a gold Day-Date Presidential and a GMT-Master II “Pepsi” model.
Both watches feature blue dials decorated with a gold presidential seal. Stars appear at the 45th and 47th seconds, a reference to Trump’s two presidencies.
The phrase “The White House” is engraved on the back of each watch.
Despite their official-looking design, however, the watches are not made by Rolex as White House products.
They are reportedly purchased from Rolex before being sent to a bespoke watchmaker in London for customization, including the addition of presidential insignia and other White House details. A gold Day-Date Presidential costs about $50,000 before the personalized modifications are added.
There is also an unexpected catch behind the highly symbolic watches.
According to Vanity Fair, the custom Rolex known as the “White House Rolex” has become a coveted status symbol 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
Trump did not reportedly distribute the Rolexes as gifts to his staff. Those who have them are said to have purchased the watches themselves.
Reported owners include Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles, billionaire special envoy Steve Witkoff and White House counsel Will Scharf.
The reported list also reaches into Vice President JD Vance’s team. His chief of staff, Nick Luna, and national security adviser, Cliff Sims, are both said to own one.
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 watch collection offers another glimpse into his considerable wealth.
The billionaire has been spotted wearing a rose-gold Patek Philippe Nautilus, a Rolex Daytona with a Tiffany-blue dial and an Audemars Piguet Tourbillon. Each is a highly sought-after luxury watch that can command more than $100,000.
Wiles is also reported to own a White House Rolex. Separately, she is known for wearing a diamond-encrusted Rolex Datejust, a luxury timepiece that can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on its configuration.
Trump has also 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.
