The US Treasury Secretary made the comments in an interview with Fox News MC Chris Wallace on November 19.
"I never imagined these photos to be made public and spread on the Internet," said Steven Mnuchin.
"But people have the right to do that. People can express what they want. That is the wonderful thing about social media today. People can say and convey what they want," he added.
US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and his wife - Louise Linton and his secretary visited the Department of stamps and Printings (BEP) in Washington on the occasion of the first coins signed by him and Governor Jovita Carranza being printed on November 15.
In the photo that caused a public "storm", Mr. Steven Mnuchin is holding a 2017 print of the $1 bills before they were sent to the US Federal Reserve for circulation.
The photo was taken by Jacquelyn Martin, a photographer for AP news agency.
In the interview, MC Wallace commented: "Some people say that he and his wife look like two villain characters in a James Bond film. I'm sure you've heard those comments. My question is: What are you thinking? ".
"I guess I should consider it as a compliment that I look like a character in a great movie, James Bond. But I want to say that I was very happy to have my signature on those coins. This is clearly a privilege, a great honor and something I am very proud of," said Mr. Steven Mnuchin.
