By Sam Barron | Friday, 05 June 2026 08:17 PM EDT
Senate Democrats are urging the Trump administration to halt production of a commemorative 250th anniversary solid gold coin that would feature Trump leaning on a desk with clenched fists.
Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Ron Wyden of Oregon expressed concern that some of the U.S. Mint’s gold could have links to foreign cartels.
The coin, which would measure up to 3 inches in diameter, was personally approved by President Trump.
An investigation revealed that gold connected to Colombian drug cartels had entered supply chains that ultimately sold to the U.S. Mint.
In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis, Warren and Wyden wrote: “At the very least, the Mint should ensure that a coin intended to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary is not made of gold linked to exploitation and criminal activity.”
They called for a public review of the gold’s sourcing and supply chain, claiming the coin is “more befitting a monarchy than a democracy.”
The Treasury Department defended the coin in a statement: “As we approach our 250th birthday, we are thrilled to prepare coins that represent the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, and there is no profile more emblematic for the front of such coins than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said.
A bill previously introduced by Democrats would bar any living president from appearing on U.S. currency.
The Treasury Department stated it is taking steps to source its gold purchases.
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, a bipartisan panel that approves coins, has refused to consider the coin. Donald Scarinci, a coin collector who sits on the committee, told reporters: “If they make it without our review, it will be illegal.”
