US Treasury unveils Trump gold coin. Rep. Kevin Kiley says he will move to stop it

Mathew Miranda, The Sacramento Bee on Jul 15, 2026

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Rep. Kevin Kiley, I-Rocklin, plans to introduce federal legislation to stop a new commemorative golden coin featuring President Donald Trump’s likeness.

The coin was unveiled Wednesday morning on X by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the U.S. would begin striking the $1 piece to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“Featuring President Trump, it celebrates the strength of American values, and the promise of a nation dedicated to preserving freedom for all,” Bessent wrote.

In response to Bessent’s post, Kiley wrote: “We don’t do this in our country.”

Kiley added that he would be sponsoring legislation to reaffirm U.S. currency does not feature the likeness of a living president. A spokesperson for Kiley did not immediately respond to questions about the proposed legislation.

Living presidents are barred from appearing on currency, according to federal statutes, though the administration argued that a law signed by Trump in late 2020 allows the treasury secretary to bypass the restriction by classifying the coins as collectibles.

The only other time a U.S. coin has featured a living president was 100 years ago during the 150th anniversary of the country. That half-dollar coin featured then-President Calvin Coolidge and George Washington.

Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York introduced legislation in October to require that U.S. money continue to feature only the deceased.

Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly taken steps to brand his image and likeness including on passports, federal buildings, the National Park Service annual pass and the Kennedy Center. Earlier this month on X, Bessent also shared an early rendering of Trump’s signature on U.S. dollar bills.

Kiley’s announcement comes as he is in an uphill battle to remain in Congress. He is facing former Democratic Sen. Richard Pan for the left-leaning 6th Congressional District, which mostly consists of areas in Sacramento and Placer counties.

Kiley left the GOP in March to run as an independent in the newly redrawn district after Proposition 50’s passage made success in the 3rd District, the seat he currently holds, unlikely. He attributed his departure to frustration with partisanship, though many have speculated the change stemmed — at least partially — from a need to broaden his base of voters.

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