The U.S. Mint has begun selling $1 coins featuring President Donald Trump, marking the first time a sitting president has appeared on a U.S. coin in a century and raising questions about the legality of the practice. The Treasury had previously announced plans for a commemorative $250 bill and a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing Trump's image.
Federal law generally states that only the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities. This provision has led Democratic lawmakers and coin collectors to question the legality of the current coin production.
In December 2025, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada introduced legislation aimed at blocking Trump's efforts to feature his likeness on the $1 coin. Additionally, several senators on the Financial Services and General Government subcommittee voiced opposition, citing historical precedent. They noted that George Washington himself reportedly opposed having his image on U.S. coins during his presidency, viewing it as a contradiction to the nation's fight for independence from monarchies.