Washington’s New Fight: The Battle Over What Money Looks Like
Washington is known for its fierce debates, but this time, the fight is about something more than just policy. It’s about what money looks like.
Trump’s $1 Coin Sparks Outrage
The Trump administration is moving forward with its plan to issue a $1 coin featuring the president’s likeness next year. However, Democrats are aghast at the idea.
Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto introduced a bill last week to bar Trump from putting his face on currency, arguing it undermines the U.S.’s image as a democracy.
A 250-Year Tradition Under Threat
Only deceased figures can be featured on U.S. currency, according to an 1866 law. However, the Trump administration is pushing to change this tradition.
The Treasury Department has not responded to a request for comment, but U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach says the administration aims to honor U.S. history.
A Changing Landscape for American Currency
The Trump administration has already made changes to American currency, including the elimination of the penny and the replacement of planned anniversary quarter and dime coins.
Treasury Secretary Bessent has the final say over the coins, and a 2022 law authorizes the Treasury to mint special $1 coins starting Jan. 1, 2026.
A Divided Congress
Lawmakers have usually been scrupulous in how it handles immortalizing U.S. figures on currency. However, the polarized Trump era has blown apart this tradition.
House Republicans have introduced bills to feature Trump’s face on currency, but they have not advanced in the House.
A Fiscal Conservative’s Concerns
Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina complained about the federal government spending money it didn’t have to carry out the program.
Tillis said, “Anytime you know, we’re changing the names of organizations or other things at a time where we got $36 trillion in debt — I’m a dyed-in-the-wool fiscal conservative.”
Left unsaid was the legislative branch’s role in overseeing these matters.
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