This story appeared in The Logoff, a day by day publication that helps you keep knowledgeable in regards to the Trump administration with out letting political information take over your life. Subscribe right here.
Welcome to The Logoff: Donald Trump could also be getting his want: a super-sized gold coin together with his face on it.
What’s taking place? On Thursday, the US Fee of Nice Arts signed off on a proposed design for a brand new pure gold commemorative coin to mark America’s 250th anniversary this summer time. On the coin: Trump, scowling, as he leans on his desk.
The coin’s dimension continues to be to be decided, however characteristically, Trump could also be going for the most important attainable choice — a coin three inches in diameter (simply over thrice the scale of 1 / 4).
Can he do this? In all probability. Because the AP factors out, there’s a regulation that claims residing presidents can’t seem on forex. There’s additionally one other committee particularly for cash that ought to get a say; it has refused to contemplate a Trump coin.
However the US Mint is a part of the Treasury Division, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent can possible authorize the brand new coin regardless.
The Fee of Nice Arts, which accepted the design, can be stacked in Trump’s favor (one not too long ago appointed member, Chamberlain Harris, is a Trump White Home aide). Final month, the fee additionally okayed Trump’s proposed ballroom design to interchange the East Wing.
What’s the context? That is the unsurprising convergence of two of Trump’s very favourite issues: gold and himself.
What’s the large image? As my former colleague Abdallah Fayyad wrote final yr, Trump’s (re)branding obsession is greater than anybody constructing or coin. As an alternative, it’s an try and overwrite conventional American aesthetics together with his personal and cement himself as an — maybe the — enduring image of the US.
And with that, it’s time to sign off…
Hello readers, joyful spring equinox! (It was this morning, somewhat bit earlier than 11 am Jap.)
I loved this story from the New York Occasions (it’s a present hyperlink) about how New Yorkers spent the week making ready for the Eid al-Fitr vacation marking the tip of Ramadan, which is at this time. For these celebrating, Eid Mubarak! Have an amazing weekend, and we’ll see you again right here on Monday.
