The U.S. Treasury has unveiled a draft design for a $1 coin featuring former President Donald Trump. This coin is intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. The proposed design showcases Trump's profile on the front, with the words "Liberty" above and "1776-2026" below. Images of the design were shared by Treasurer Brandon Beach on social media and later released by the Treasury.

On the reverse side, the coin depicts Trump with a raised clenched fist, accompanied by the phrase "fight, fight, fight," referencing his remarks following an assassination attempt last year. A flag is also included in the background. A Treasury spokesperson stated, "While a final $1 coin design has not yet been selected to commemorate the United States' semi-quincentennial, this first draft reflects well the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, even in the face of immense obstacles."

The legality of the proposed design has sparked debate. In 2020, Congress passed legislation allowing the Treasury Secretary to mint $1 coins in 2026 with designs that symbolize the U.S. semi-quincentennial. However, the law explicitly prohibits the inclusion of a "head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person, living or dead," on coins created for this anniversary.

Legal experts have pointed out that the design featuring Trump may violate this restriction, as it includes a broader illustration of him. An 1866 law prohibits the depiction of living individuals on U.S. currency, but this primarily pertains to paper money produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Additionally, an earlier law from 1792, which has been amended over the years, restricts the portrayal of living current or former presidents on coins minted specifically to honor them. This restriction does not apply to coins issued for other commemorative purposes, such as the upcoming anniversary.

In the past, the Treasury has used different approaches for commemorative coins. For the 1976 bicentennial, a national competition was held to select a design for the $1 coin, which featured the Liberty Bell and the moon. The reverse side displayed former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had passed away in 1969, making him the first president to appear on a $1 coin since 1971.

When asked if Trump had seen the draft design, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt responded, "I'm not sure if he's seen it, but I'm sure he'll love it."