WHITE HOUSE NOTEBOOK: No swag rule in diplomacy. First lady Michelle Obama presented sterling silver orchid brooches and sterling silver cufflinks…to the leaders and spouses who gathered for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.” “The gifts came only days after President Barack Obama signed an executive order banning souvenirs that federal agencies buy with taxpayer money to promote their work — items like coffee cups, T-shirts and pens.” I’m sure this falls well within the sneaky loophole that excludes little trinkets for Michelle and Barack’s book.
