<P> Some groups and people have expressed objections to its use, citing its religious reference that violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment . These groups believe the phrase should be removed from currency and public property . </P> <P> It is also the motto of the U.S. state of Florida . Its Spanish equivalent, En Dios Confiamos, is the motto of the Republic of Nicaragua . </P> <P> The phrase appears to have originated in "The Star - Spangled Banner", written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 . The fourth stanza includes the phrase, "And this be our motto:' In God is our Trust ."' This version of the motto made an early appearance on the twenty dollar interest bearing notes issued in 1864 along with the motto "God and our Right". </P> <P> The Reverend M.R. Watkinson, in a letter dated November 13, 1861, petitioned the Treasury Department to add a statement recognizing "Almighty God in some form in our coins" in order to "relieve us from the ignominy of heathenism". At least part of the motivation was to declare that God was on the Union side of the Civil War . Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase acted on this proposal and directed the then - Philadelphia Director of the Mint, James Pollock, to begin drawing up possible designs that would include the religious phrase . Chase chose his favorite designs and presented a proposal to Congress for the new designs in late 1863 . </P>

Where did in god we trust come from