Trump Orders Halt to Penny Production Over Cost Concerns

The U.S. President claims the one-cent coin costs more to produce than its value, raising questions about the legality of his directive.

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has directed the U.S. Treasury to stop producing the penny, citing excessive production costs.
The penny, made of zinc and copper, costs nearly 2 cents to produce, leading to an $85.3 million loss in 2024 from the production of 3.2 billion coins.
The coin, first issued in 1793 and featuring Abraham Lincoln since 1909, has been a subject of debate for years regarding its relevance and cost-efficiency.
Trump's administration has prioritized budget cuts, with a newly established efficiency agency led by Elon Musk exploring cost-saving measures.
Legal experts note uncertainty over whether Trump has the authority to unilaterally end penny production, as currency specifications are typically set by Congress.