Trump’s $1 Coin Design Triggers Legal and Political Debate in the US

The U.S. Treasury Department has unveiled a draft design for a new $1 coin featuring current President Donald Trump, this is sparking nationwide debate over its legality and symbolism.

The coin, proposed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, was revealed on Friday, October 3, 2025. The design, shared by U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach on X (formerly Twitter), shows a profile of Trump on one side, accompanied by the words “Liberty” and “1776–2026.”

On the reverse, Trump is portrayed raising a clenched fist before an American flag, with the phrase “Fight, Fight, Fight” boldly inscribed, a nod to his famous words after surviving an assassination attempt in 2024.

A Treasury Department spokesperson explained that the draft design is still under review, adding that it “reflects the enduring spirit of democracy, even in the face of great challenges.” However, the agency clarified that no final version has been approved.

Legal Questions Emerge

The announcement has stirred controversy over whether the design violates U.S. laws governing currency imagery. A 2020 bipartisan law authorizes commemorative coins for the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations but specifically forbids the use of a “head and shoulders portrait” or any “portrait of a living person” on such coins.

Furthermore, a much older statute from 1866 bars the depiction of living individuals on U.S. currency, though it mainly applies to paper money.

Legal analysts suggest the Treasury’s choice of a full-body or action-style image of Trump may be an attempt to avoid breaching the rule against a traditional bust portrait. Others argue that the restriction on living presidents only applies to the Presidential $1 Coin Program, not special commemorative issues.

Political Reactions and Public Response

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, when asked if President Trump had reviewed the draft, said, “I’m not sure if he’s seen it, but I’m sure he’ll love it.”

The coin proposal has sharply divided opinions across the country. Supporters view it as a patriotic tribute to America’s history and resilience, while critics see it as politically inappropriate, given that Trump remains an active political figure.

For now, Treasurer Beach has noted that further updates on the coin’s approval and final design will be delayed until the ongoing partial government shutdown is resolved.

If approved, the coin would become one of the most talked-about commemorative releases in U.S. history — symbolizing not just 250 years of independence, but also the deep political divides shaping modern America.