Political battles in Washington are now being waged not over millions, but over pocket change.
The Treasury Department is preparing to print President Donald Trump's face on a $1 coin commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Quarters honoring national heroes from the abolitionist, suffragette and civil rights eras have been scrapped and will be replaced by the nation's early white pioneers and revolutionaries.
Congressional Democrats are criticizing the move, which they say shouldn't valorize a living president and should reflect the full scope of American history.
Like many policies under the Trump administration, the United States Mint’s decision last year to feature the president’s face on currency broke the longstanding tradition set by President George Washington of not showcasing a living president on currency.
Now, some lawmakers are questioning the legality of the Trump coin and broader moves by the Mint, including its decision last year to nix commemorative quarters honoring abolitionists, civil rights figures and suffragettes.
