In the document, Newdow and attorney Thomas M. Horwitz write, “Plaintiffs either specifically do not trust in any ‘G-d’ (with NOT trusting G-d being a basic tenet of their belief systems) or hold G-d’s name so dear and exalted that to inscribe it on a monetary instrument is deemed sinful.”

The suit argues that keeping the phrase on currency violates the First Amendment, the Fifth Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Defendants listed in the suit include Bureau of Engraving and Printing director Leonard R. Olijar, Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew and Congress.

Newdow, who is an atheist, has also been seeking to remove “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Peggy Harris (foreground) stocks the shelves at Sandy's IGA, which is the only grocery store in town, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Sparta. Hancock County has one of the highest rates of childhood food insecurity in the country. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC