The US Federal Fine Arts Commission has unanimously approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring former President Donald Trump. The coin, minted from pure 24-karat gold, is planned for release to mark the country's 250th anniversary of independence on July 4. It depicts Trump with his fists on a table, a pose that has sparked debate over its symbolic implications.

As reported by BBC, the key controversy revolves around legality, since current norms prohibit US presidents from appearing on currency while alive. However, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent retains the authority to authorize the minting of collectible gold coins, creating a legal gray area and setting a potentially problematic precedent for future administrations.

Following the design presentation, commission representatives not only endorsed the project but also proposed making the coin as large as three inches in diameter (approximately 7.6 cm). For context, the diameter of a standard US quarter is less than one inch. Last year, Trump dismissed members of the commission and replaced them with his supporters, a move that critics allege may have influenced the approval process.

Previously, Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres introduced the Trump Act (The Restrict Ugly Money Portraits Act), which aimed to ban presidents from issuing currency with their own images, but the bill was never passed. To date, the only US president depicted on a coin during his lifetime was Calvin Coolidge in 1926.

This coin release coincides with Trump's recently launched 'gold' and 'platinum' card programs, which allow foreigners to obtain US residency for money. Together, these initiatives highlight a trend toward the commercialization of state symbols and have drawn criticism from opponents who argue they undermine traditional governance norms and ethical standards.

Source: podrobno.uz