What's happened
The U.S. Mint is planning new coins for 2026 to mark the nation's 250th anniversary, featuring historic themes. Despite a push from some allies, Donald Trump is absent from the designs, with legal and political debates ongoing about including his likeness. No final decision has been announced.
What's behind the headline?
The decision to exclude Trump from the 2026 coin designs reflects legal constraints and political sensitivities. While some advocates push for his image, existing laws prohibit living presidents from appearing on currency, with exceptions for commemorative coins. The debate underscores broader tensions over historical representation and political symbolism. The proposed designs emphasize foundational American documents and symbols, aligning with a traditional narrative that may overlook recent social progress. The controversy also highlights how currency can serve as a battleground for political identity, with potential implications for future commemorations and legal interpretations. The absence of Trump from these designs signals a cautious approach by authorities, balancing legal boundaries with political considerations, and suggests that any inclusion would require legislative change or legal loopholes.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the Mint abandoned Biden-era designs emphasizing civil rights, favoring classical American themes instead. They note that a draft Trump coin features his profile and a depiction of him raising his fist, with some advocates suggesting a legal loophole for his inclusion. AP News highlights that the designs depict founding documents and revolutionary symbols, but not Trump, citing legal restrictions on living presidents' likenesses. The article also mentions that a bill called the Change Corruption Act, introduced by senators Merkley and Cortez Masto, aims to prevent living presidents from appearing on currency, reflecting ongoing political debates. The Guardian emphasizes that the Treasury has not confirmed plans for a Trump coin, and legal statutes like Title 31 and the Thayer Amendment restrict such representations, though recent laws may complicate this. Overall, the coverage illustrates a tension between legal constraints, political symbolism, and the desire among some factions to honor Trump with a coin, which remains unresolved.
How we got here
The upcoming coin designs are part of the America 250 celebrations, which commemorate the 1776 Declaration of Independence. During the Biden administration, designs highlighting civil rights and progress were proposed, but the current plans favor traditional American symbols. A draft design for a Trump coin has circulated, but no official approval has been given, partly due to legal restrictions on living presidents' likenesses on currency.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The United States Mint is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury responsible for producing coinage for the United States to conduct its trade and commerce, as well as controlling the movement of bullion.
-
Brandon Lamont Beach is an American politician who has served as the 46th Treasurer of the United States since 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he served as a member of the Georgia State Senate from 2013 to 2025; representing the 21st district, whi
-
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate