(The Hill) – The Treasury Department defended its plans to honor President Trump with a $1 coin as the country prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, arguing the occasion allows the administration to circumvent a law that only allows individuals to appear posthumously on printed currency.
A Monday post from the Treasury Department said it is authorized to issue the currency under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which allows the issuing of coinage “‘with designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial’ reflecting @POTUS and his vision for America.”
“On this momentous anniversary, there is no profile more emblematic for the front of this coin than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump,” the department added.
The act referenced by the Treasury outlines three programs for circulating new coins that celebrate the accomplishments of prominent women, “remarkable” events in our nation’s history and youth sports.
It, however, does not specifically reverse or cancel an 1866 law that prevents living people from appearing on currency.
Regardless, the administration is moving forward with designs and plans to print the $1 bill with an engraving of the president next to the American flag.
His fist is raised and depicted beside the words “Fight, Fight, Fight,” a term vocalized by Trump shouted after he survived an assassination attempt at his July 2024 campaign rally.
Amid plans to roll out the currency, Democrats have raised objections.
“America’s money should only feature big, beautiful faces — not big, ugly faces,” Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) said in a statement.
The New York Democrat also shared plans to introduce The TRUMP Act, which stands for The Restrict Ugly Money Portraits Act, a direct shot at the president that aims to prohibit White House leaders from printing currency with their own likeness.
It also reiterates standing U.S. law that requires currency to only feature deceased individuals.
Earlier this year, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) shared plans to feature Trump on a new $250 bill in honor of his new trade policies.
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