If you haven’t heard, each state is getting a new dollar coin in 2026 as part of a US Mint Series that solutes innovation. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has turned to the people to help design theirs.
Calling all members of the Tortured Coin Designers Department…
CA is getting its own $1 coin to honor innovation, slated to be issued in 2026 – and we need your help!
What is a CA innovation you'd like to see featured on the coin? Send ideas to: [email protected] pic.twitter.com/oOdw4qICtZ
— California Governor (@CAgovernor) April 25, 2024
As you can imagine, the response was not what he expected or wanted.
Now, to be sure, this is actually a good idea and something most leaders should usually be proud of. You know, the idea of including the people, the people who put him in power, in big decisions or at least commemorative ones like this.
However, California is not like most states, and Newsom, well, let’s just say he’s not left the people of his state much to feel proud of.
— Edward (@edwardrussl) April 28, 2024
One of the most common responses was a design that somehow displayed the growing homelessness issue in the state.
Yes–let's make a memorable $1 CA State Coin @GavinNewsom Here are two I think are top contenders. First one really has good imagery. CA flag, palm tree, warmth from the fire. Maybe just edge CA flag closer to the fire to catch a spark. https://t.co/3FzUghy35m pic.twitter.com/6JsvdKcMX8
— Walk Safe (@SacWalkSafe) April 26, 2024
Images of tent camps, trash-littered streets, burning fires, and more disgusting filth flooded the comment section of Newsom’s X post.
Of course, that wasn’t all.
Others added images of COVID-19 pandemic masks, stores closed, and even the “poop map” of the San Francisco/Bay Area. And yes, such a thing actually exists.
This is weird, even for Gavin Newsom. In an apparent play on Taylor Swift’s new album title “Tortured Poets Department” he’s asking for suggestions for “Tortured Coin Designers Department” to design a $1 “Innovation Coin.” Is this a desperate move to reduce rhetoric $73 deficit?… https://t.co/sjYv98lhoT pic.twitter.com/vEBOolYLFw
— Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD (@houmanhemmati) April 25, 2024
https://t.co/hHPYYPNJpl pic.twitter.com/cJCdtct9ga
— Dr. Richard Harambe (@Richard_Harambe) April 28, 2024
Still, others sent in design ideas representing the mass exodus being experienced by the state, the ever-rising gas prices, and the poor leadership impressions Newsom has made over the years.
— Lex Jurgen (@Lex_Jurgen) April 26, 2024
Needless to say, I don’t think Newsom was all that impressed with this bounty of images slamming him and the dumpster fire of a tenure.
Not even his ridiculous Taylor Swift comment helped him out…
