Following public reaction, the Treasury abandoned that design and submitted three new versions to the Commission of Fine Arts.
The revised designs present more traditional imagery, featuring close-up portraits of Trump with the phrases “In God We Trust” and “Liberty,” while the reverse side displays variations of the bald eagle. The coin also highlights the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.
Since the proposal emerged, Democratic lawmakers have pushed back. Senators Jeff Merkley and Catherine Cortez Masto introduced legislation to block the coin, arguing it misuses public funds and breaks with American tradition.
Merkley criticized the proposal as self-glorifying, while Cortez Masto emphasized that the U.S. has never placed living presidents on its currency, calling the practice incompatible with democratic values.
The final decision on whether the coin will be minted rests with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
President Donald Trump said Friday that he wants Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, R-S.C., the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to run in the special election to serve in the seat for a full term.
Nordone was appointed Tuesday to fill the remainder of Graham’s current Senate term, two days after he died Sunday.
Graham had secured the Republican nomination and was seeking reelection before his death. A special election will determine the party’s nominee for the November general election.
After meeting with Nordone in the Oval Office, Trump praised her in a post on Truth Social.
“We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot. Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina,” he wrote.
“During her visit, I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.”
“I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey,” Trump continued.
“Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”
If Nordone enters the race, Trump’s endorsement could give her a significant advantage in the special primary, the filing period for which opens Tuesday and runs through July 28.
Potential Republican contenders for the Senate seat include Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, along with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, all of whom lost bids for the Republican gubernatorial nomination earlier this year.
The winner of the Republican special primary will face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in the November general election.
The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election handicapper, rates the seat “Solid Republican.”
