Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) criticized Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent after he promoted a new Trump-themed $1 gold coin, arguing the administration should focus more on economic challenges facing Americans.
Lieu Criticizes Bessent’s Trump Coin Announcement
On Wednesday, in a post on X, Lieu responded to Bessent’s announcement that the U.S. Mint would begin striking a new $1 gold coin commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Lieu accused Bessent of prioritizing a Trump-related project over addressing economic concerns facing Americans.
He said, "Can you please focus on the economy? The American people are suffering. Thank you for your attention to this matter."
Bessent Highlights Gold Coin’s Patriotism
President Donald Trump’s image was set to appear on a new $1 coin after Bessent unveiled the design Wednesday for America’s 250th anniversary.
The coin featured Trump’s profile with "In God We Trust" and "Liberty 1776-2026."
Bessent said the U.S. Mint would begin producing the coin, which the Treasury described as a gold-colored, non-precious metal piece.
The coin faced legal questions over federal laws barring living presidents from appearing on U.S. currency.
Bessent argued those restrictions applied to paper money, not coins, citing a 1926 coin featuring then-President Calvin Coolidge.
While the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the design, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee declined to review it, with critics arguing the coin could violate existing law.
Read Also: Trump To Star On 24K Gold Coin For America's 250th Birthday Celebration— What Will It Look Like?
Trump Name Controversies
Last week, President Trump celebrated the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport to The President Donald J. Trump International Airport after Trump Force One became the first aircraft to land at the newly renamed facility.
Eric Trump said he ensured the Boeing 757 arrived first to mark the historic moment.
In June, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) praised the removal of Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center, calling it a victory for "democracy and the rule of law."
The move followed a court ruling that said changing the center’s legally established name required congressional approval, reversing a Trump-backed renaming effort that had faced criticism.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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