Washington: The United States Commission of Fine Arts has approved plans to mint a commemorative gold coin featuring a portrait of Donald Trump, in a move that is already drawing legal and political scrutiny.
The federal panel, composed largely of Trump appointees, unanimously backed the design during a meeting. The coin is intended as a commemorative piece rather than circulating currency, a distinction supporters say allows it to bypass longstanding legal restrictions.
US law prohibits the depiction of living presidents on currency. However, officials argue that commemorative coins fall under a different rule. Despite this, critics say the effort undermines democratic norms and could set a controversial precedent.
Opposition has also emerged from within government advisory bodies. The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee had earlier resisted similar proposals, noting that both it and the Fine Arts Commission are typically required to approve coin designs.
Senator Jeff Merkley strongly criticised the initiative, stating that placing a sitting president’s image on coins is more characteristic of authoritarian regimes than democratic leadership. The proposed design features a bald eagle on one side and a portrait of Trump on the other, based on an image by photographer Daniel Torok, currently displayed at the National Portrait Gallery. Officials say the coin could be produced at the largest size currently minted by the United States Mint.
According to administration officials, the design has already received Trump’s personal approval. The coin is part of a broader initiative by the president to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States with projects that reflect his leadership.
In addition to the commemorative coin, the administration has explored placing Trump’s image on a $1 coin, a proposal that has faced similar criticism. Other initiatives, including renaming institutions such as the US Institute of Peace and changes linked to the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, are also being challenged in court.
Supporters argue that featuring the current president during the nation’s milestone anniversary is appropriate. Critics, however, maintain that such moves blur the line between commemoration and self-promotion.
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