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Senate Democrats Seek Ban on Living Presidents’ Likenesses on U.S. Currency

The proposal responds to U.S. Mint candidate designs for a 2026 semiquincentennial $1 coin depicting President Trump.

Overview

  • Sens. Jeff Merkley and Catherine Cortez Masto introduced the Change Corruption Act on Tuesday, with Ron Wyden and Richard Blumenthal as co-sponsors.
  • The bill states, “No United States currency may feature the likeness of a living or sitting President.”
  • The U.S. Mint has posted several candidate “heads” designs featuring Trump for the 250th anniversary coin, which Treasury describes as a collector commemorative.
  • Coverage cites longstanding prohibitions in Title 31 and the 1866 Thayer Amendment, alongside a 2020 law that limits living figures only on coin reverses in this commemorative program.
  • Analysts note the measure is unlikely to advance under GOP-controlled chambers as the Mint signals a possible decision soon on whether to proceed.