When threats of retaliation or traditional bargaining have failed to shift President Donald Trump, Switzerland has chosen another approach: Bringing gold to the White House.
And this approach seems to have had an incredible effect.
According to Axios, the delegation of Swiss philately on November 4 arrived in Washington with a series of "perfect gifts" for President Trump: A Rolex stationary watch and especially a custom-made 1kg gold bar, engraved with the numbers 45 and 47 - two terms of Mr. Trump. With gold prices currently fluctuating at nearly $4,100/ounce, this gold bar is worth more than $130,000.
White House officials confirmed that Mr. Trump received the gift on behalf of the Presidential Library, which is therefore completely legal.
But importantly, there is a coincidence that just 3 days later, the US announced a tax cut on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%.
Previously, Swiss Prime Minister Karin Keller-Sutter had repeatedly tried to negotiate directly with President Trump but failed. Shes good, but she doesnt listen, Trump told CNBC.
Knowing that leadership talks are not feasible, Switzerland has turned to what Trump likes most - industrial tycoons.
The group of top philating talents who have arrived in the US include: Marwan Shakarchi, leader of the precious metals corporation MKS SA, who brought the gold bar to Mr. Trump.
Jean-Freric Dufour, CEO of Rolex - who sent the watch for display after considering the option of giving a rare titanium watch.
Other names include Johann rupert (Richemont), Daniel Jaeggi ( Mercuria) and Alfred Gantner ( Partners Group).
Although absent, Diego Aponte - Chairman of MSC Shipping Group - was the one who arranged the meeting.
The president is a businessman, and he likes to talk to businessmen, one official explained. And as expected, Mr. Trump was extremely satisfied, then posted a credit on the social network Truth Social: A great job.
Switzerland is not an isolated case. Previously, Apple gave Mr. Trump a 24K laser-engraved glass plate with a gold base to commemorate a $100 billion investment in the US - a move to help the company cool down the tariff stress.
The Los Angeles Olympic Committee presented Mr. Trump with a set of Olympic medals at the 1984 Games to strengthen relations before the 2028 Games.
The Qatari government has even donated a $400 million Boeing 747 to the Trump Presidential Library.
Corporations and sponsors have also poured about $300 million to build a new dance room at the White House - expected to be decorated with a gorgeous gold standard.
According to one official, Apple will keep the throne of gifts until the Swiss delegation appears. Its hard to get past Apple, but the Swiss can do it, he said.
The "taking advantage" move seems to bring practical benefits. In addition to the sharp reduction in taxes in the US, Switzerland is also committed to lowering trade barriers and encouraging businesses to pour more capital into the US market.
