In a move that has ignited a fierce political debate across the United States, the U.S. Treasury has announced that President Donald Trump’s likeness will feature on a special 24-karat gold commemorative coin to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The proposed design depicts Trump leaning on the iconic Resolute Desk with a clenched fist, a portrait approved by the Commission of Fine Arts during their March 19 meeting.

This marks only the second time in American history that a sitting president has appeared on U.S. currency. The first instance occurred in 1926 under Calvin Coolidge. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach defended the choice, stating, “There is no portrait more symbolic for our 250th birthday than President Donald J. Trump, representing the enduring spirit of our democracy.”

However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats. Senator Jeff Merkley condemned the move, stating, “Monarchs and dictators put themselves on coins; leaders of democracies do not.” While federal law generally prohibits living persons on standard currency, the Treasury argues that commemorative coins fall under the sole authority of the Secretary of the Treasury. Alongside this gold coin, the U.S. Mint will also release special edition quarters and half-dollars featuring a dual “1776-2026” date and the Liberty Bell privy mark.