President Donald Trump’s directive to stop minting the penny is a clear violation of the Constitution. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 5 states that it is Congress which has the power to coin money. It’s a relatively minor issue, after all who gives two cents about the penny (pun intended). However, it is difficult to think of a clearer example of executive branch overreach. Halting production of the Lincoln head cent also removes from American coinage one of our greatest presidents. I would urge readers to contact our Congressional delegation and to urge them to assert authority over this clear overreach by the executive branch.

James Cole

Concord