Trump’s Influence? United States Mint Removes Commemorative Medal from Store
By Sebastian Wieschowski
The medal in question was a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medals awarded in recognition of the efforts of the Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police. The sudden withdrawal of this item raises questions—particularly in light of further actions taken by the new US administration against the United States Mint.
Sold out? A commemorative medal honouring police officers who protected the Capitol on 6 January 2021. Photo: United States Mint / Background: Toshe_O via Getty Images on Canva Pro.
The United States Mint has removed a commemorative medal honouring the police officers who defended the Capitol during the attack on 6 January 2021 from its website, sparking criticism.
Former Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, who was injured during the riots, expressed his surprise in a report by NBC News when he recently attempted to purchase several of these medals as gifts—only to find they were no longer available. He sees this as a worrying trend, especially given previous failed attempts to establish an official commemorative plaque at the Capitol.
When approached by NBC News, the U.S. Mint declined to comment on the reasons behind the decision. However, the website had previously referenced Public Law 117-32, which mandated the swift production of these medals to provide a dignified tribute to the victims of the attack.
Sales Halt as a Symbolic Act?
Critics view the removal of the medal as part of a broader effort to erase the events of 6 January from public discourse. Since Donald Trump took office, Justice Department webpages that tracked ongoing prosecutions related to the attack have been taken down. Many see this as a deliberate strategy to suppress public remembrance of that day.
Trump has already pardoned or reduced the sentences of more than 1,500 individuals charged in connection with 6 January—including members of extremist groups such as the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, who were convicted of seditious conspiracy.
The debate over how to acknowledge these events continues to play out in Congress. While Democratic lawmakers push for greater recognition of law enforcement officers’ sacrifices, many Republican members refuse to support even the installation of a commemorative plaque at the Capitol.
Disappointment Among Those Affected
For survivors like Gonell, the medal’s removal is yet another sign of the dwindling official interest in the victims of the attack. “Not only are some lawmakers refusing to honour our colleagues, but now the ability to purchase the medal as a symbol of recognition is also being taken away,” he told NBC News. It remains unclear whether the medal has been permanently removed from the U.S. Mint’s catalogue.
