Trump's Inner Circle Sports Custom Rolex Watches as Rare Status Symbol

Custom Rolex watches have emerged as an exclusive status symbol within Donald Trump's second administration, accessible only to a select few top officials and advisers who can afford their substantial cost. Known informally as "White House Rolexes," these timepieces are purchased from Rolex and then modified by a bespoke watchmaker in London, as Rolex does not officially offer custom watches. The watches come in two models: a gold Day-Date Presidential or a GMT Pepsi, both featuring blue faces, gold presidential seals on the dial, stars at the 45- and 47-second markers, and White House engravings on the back. An uncustomized gold Day-Date or Pepsi retails for over $50,000, with customization adding further expense.

Among confirmed owners are Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, billionaire peace envoy Steve Witkoff, White House Counsel Will Scharf, Vice President JD Vance's Chief of Staff Nick Luna, and national security adviser Cliff Sims. Outside the White House, campaign manager Chris LaCivita and Trump's pollster Tony Fabrizio also possess these watches. One insider quoted in reporting remarked that "there's no one fucking rich enough in the West Wing to actually buy the watch," underscoring the watches' exclusivity and cost. The Trump administration is described as the richest in U.S. history, with multiple billionaires in the Cabinet, creating a climate in which displays of wealth and proximity to Trump serve as markers of rank and influence.

The watches are part of a broader pattern of status symbols within the Trump administration. Other coveted items include presidential cufflinks featuring the presidential seal, which are reportedly gifted directly by Trump and signify his "true admiration," and access to exclusive private clubs in Washington charging membership fees up to $500,000. Private jets—specifically G450 or Challenger 300 models—are also part of the status hierarchy, with one lobbyist telling Vanity Fair that owning a lower-tier model means "you're kind of a loser." The White House declined to comment on the watches. This pattern echoes historical traditions in Washington whereby incoming administrations develop their own sets of status markers to signal position within the power structure.