Donald Trump’s handpicked Commission of Fine Arts voted to approve a commemorative coin for the United States’ 250th birthday featuring the president’s likeness. And critics aren't happy.
A commemorative gold coin bearing the image of Donald Trump has been approved by the US Commission of Fine Arts, whose members voted unanimously to approve the design.
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Last year, Trump fired the Commission of Fine Arts' members, replacing them with allies.
The 24-karat gold coin is intended to mark America's 250th birthday this 4 July and portrays Trump in a strongman pose, with his fists pressed against what seems to be the Resolute desk. It is based on a photo by Trump's chief White House photographer.
Lettering on the top half of the coin spells “LIBERTY” and directly underneath are the dates 1776-2026.
There are, however, questions regarding the legality of this coin.
Federal law does not allow a living president to appear on US currency, and a bipartisan panel has previously rejected the idea of Trump’s figure being on a coin.
Additionally, a Democratic congressman from New York, Ritchie Torres, proposed a bill last year titled Trump (The Restrict Ugly Money Portraits) Act, to bar presidents from issuing currency bearing their own likeness. The bill has not passed, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to order the coin to be struck once the US Mint produces final dimensions.
Megan Sullivan, the acting chief of the office of design management at US Mint, said the Treasury Secretary has authority to authorize the minting and issuance of certain coins.
US Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement: “As we approach our 250th birthday, we are thrilled to prepare coins that represent the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, and there is no profile more emblematic for the front of such coins than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump.”
Critics have been vocal about the news, with many decrying what seems to be an out of touch move from Trump, especially considering current events.
Check out some of the reactions below:
The coin will be part of a “very limited production run”, according to Megan Sullivan. The number has not been determined.
