A gold coin featuring President Donald Trump's portrait is set to be released as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration, sparking controversy. Opposition lawmakers strongly criticized the move, saying "only dictators put their faces on coins." The Trump administration is also pursuing a separate initiative to issue a one-dollar coin bearing the president's portrait.
According to Reuters and other outlets on May 19 (local time), the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts held a meeting and unanimously approved the design of a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring President Trump's portrait. The commission is composed of appointees selected by President Trump.
The Trump gold coin is part of the U.S. Mint's 250th anniversary commemorative coin series. One side depicts President Trump leaning forward at his desk while gazing directly ahead, while the other side features America's national bird, the bald eagle, with wings spread.
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement: "As we approach the 250th anniversary of our founding, I am thrilled to create a coin that symbolizes the indomitable spirit of our nation and democracy. There is no more iconic figure to grace the obverse of such a coin than our current President, Donald Trump."
The gold coin can be produced with a diameter of up to 7.6 centimeters. The White House reportedly wants the coin made as large as possible. The Mint will determine final specifications, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to order production. The coin is a collectible piece rather than circulating currency, and its sale price has not been disclosed. However, foreign media reported that similar commemorative gold coins have sold for over $1,000 (approximately 1.5 million won). Since returning to power, the Trump administration has continued efforts to strengthen presidential branding by attaching the president's name to government programs, buildings, and various initiatives. This gold coin is seen as an extension of that approach.
However, the opposition Democratic Party and some experts are pushing back strongly. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley criticized: "Those who put their own faces on coins are monarchs or dictators, not leaders of a democracy." Under U.S. federal law, portraits of living presidents cannot appear on American currency. Critics note that this gold coin can circumvent legal restrictions because it is a non-circulating commemorative coin.
Meanwhile, Trump's love of gold is well known. Shortly after his inauguration, he replaced molding decorations in the White House Oval Office with gold finishes and placed gold-colored items throughout the space. He also chose a golden theme for a new large banquet hall under construction. In June last year, the Trump family announced the launch of a $499 golden phone. In December last year, the administration officially launched a "Gold Card" permanent residency program granting U.S. green cards to those who donate $1 million. At the time, President Trump posted an image of a gold card bearing his face on Truth Social, declaring that the "Trump Gold Card" had been released.
