Week in Politics: Trump's face on the coin; reshaping the capital; the midterms

President Trump is the first living president to have his face on a coin. He's also reshaping Washington in his image, and working to influence midterm elections.

By Bay News Staff Washington Published Saturday, September 5, 2026, 11:43 AM ET

Photo: NPR

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WASHINGTON: President Trump is the first living president to have his face on a coin. He's also reshaping Washington in his image, and working to influence midterm elections.

Donald Trump became the first living U.S. president to have his face on a coin, released this week the same week at the U.S. Supreme Court permitted his White House ballroom construction to go ahead while lower court litigation continues, though Chief Justice John Roberts dissented. He said the project is probably illegal without congressional approval. NPR senior contributor Ron Elving joins us now. Ron, thanks so much for being with us.

SIMON: It's not just about the ballroom. The Trump administration is also forging ahead with construction of his 250-foot arch. He threatens to demolish the Kennedy Center to construct an outdoor amphitheater. What do you make of all this activity to remake official Washington, D.C., so quickly?

ELVING: It's obviously a high priority for President Trump to remake the nation's capital, largely in his own image or his own style. He gave some insight into his thinking on Friday, when he said he had to get these things done right away because he couldn't count on his successor or successors to do it. So he continues to prioritize the ballroom and the arch, an arc de Trump that would be larger than Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

He's also fixated on the Kennedy Center remodel. The senator, the center, rather, is named for JFK, whose face is on the half dollar. You mentioned Trump was the first to have that honor while still alive. Many experts say that violates the law.

Meanwhile, also this week, Trump called the war on Iran, quote, "small potatoes," unquote, and said the Strait of Hormuz might be renamed for him. But gas is up above $4 a gallon, Scott, and diesel hit a record high this week, inching towards $6, so not everyone is feeling the triumph.

SIMON: President Trump also wants to seem to put his name on the midterm elections, although, obviously, he's not on the ballot as a candidate. Will that necessarily help Republican candidates?

This Bay News report is based on originating coverage from NPR.

This Bay News report is based on official statements and reporting from NPR. Read the originating dispatch.