- United States
- Ind.
- Letter
Oppose Illegal Trump Commemorative Coin for America's 250th Birthday
To: Rep. Shreve, Sen. Young, Sen. Banks
From: A constituent in Richmond, IN
October 4, 2025
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed commemorative $1 coin for America's 250th birthday in 2026 that may feature a portrait of former President Donald Trump. This proposal is not only deeply concerning but also appears to be illegal under current U.S. law.
The draft design, confirmed by US Treasurer Brandon Beach, shows Trump's profile on the front with the dates 1776 and 2026, and depicts him on the reverse side raising his fist after the Butler, Pennsylvania incident. However, federal law explicitly prohibits featuring living persons or former presidents on U.S. currency until at least two years after their death. This legal restriction exists to maintain the integrity and non-partisan nature of our national currency.
The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act does allow for special $1 coins to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, but it does not override the existing restrictions on portraits. The only historical exception to this rule was in 1926 when Calvin Coolidge appeared on a coin while still in office - a precedent we should not repeat.
Furthermore, the proposed design with the phrase "FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT" seems inappropriate for a national commemorative coin, potentially promoting division rather than unity during what should be a celebration of our nation's history and values.
I urge you to take immediate action to ensure that the U.S. Mint and Treasury Department adhere to the law and reject any designs featuring living persons, including former President Trump, for the 250th anniversary coin. Instead, I encourage you to support a design that truly represents the diverse history and shared values of our nation as we approach this significant milestone.
Please uphold the integrity of our currency and the rule of law by opposing this illegal and divisive proposal. I look forward to hearing about your actions on this critical issue.