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Welcome to The Logoff: Donald Trump could also be getting his want: a super-sized gold coin along with his face on it.
What’s taking place? On Thursday, the US Fee of High quality Arts signed off on a proposed design for a brand new pure gold commemorative coin to mark America’s 250th anniversary this summer season. 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 largest doable possibility — a coin three inches in diameter (simply over thrice the dimensions of 1 / 4).
Can he try this? In all probability. Because the AP factors out, there’s a legislation that claims dwelling presidents can not seem on foreign money. 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 seemingly authorize the brand new coin regardless.
The Fee of High quality Arts, which authorized the design, can be stacked in Trump’s favor (one just lately 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.
The Oval Workplace is overflowing with gold knick-knacks, image frames, appliques, and trophies, which have multiplied since Trump returned to workplace final 12 months. Trump has additionally (unlawfully) stamped his identify on the Kennedy Middle, in addition to the US Institute of Peace and a category of latest battleships.
What’s the massive image? As my former colleague Abdallah Fayyad wrote final 12 months, Trump’s (re)branding obsession is larger than anybody constructing or coin. As a substitute, it’s an try and overwrite conventional American aesthetics along 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, completely happy 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 right this moment. For these celebrating, Eid Mubarak! Have an awesome weekend, and we’ll see you again right here on Monday.