US Treasury secretary confirms plans for banknote featuring Trump’s face | Donald Trump News
Treasury Proposes New $250 Bill Featuring Trump
Washington, D.C. — May 29, 2026 — U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent announced plans to print a new $250 banknote featuring the image of President Donald Trump. This initiative would mark the first time a living person has appeared on U.S. currency in over a century, pending legislative approval.
Currently, U.S. law prohibits any living individual from being portrayed on currency. However, legislation introduced last year aims to create an exception for current and former presidents. Bessent addressed the proposal during a press conference at the White House on Thursday, noting that a design for the bill has already been prepared in anticipation of a law change.
“Right now, there is proposed legislation in front of the House and Senate to enable Donald J. Trump to be featured on a $250 bill,” Bessent stated.
The announcement follows a report by The Washington Post highlighting efforts by U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, appointed by Trump, to expedite the production of the new currency to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Bessent further expressed his view on the significance of the initiative, stating, “I don’t think there’s anything untoward about having the president of the United States on the 250th anniversary bill.”
The proposed design mock-up includes the phrase “America 250 anniversary,” celebrating the July 4, 1776, declaration of independence.
As of now, the Treasury Department has not responded to inquiries from Al Jazeera regarding the announcement.
In addition to the new banknote, Trump’s face has been a prominent element of his administration’s branding efforts. Since returning to the White House in 2025, Trump’s likeness has been displayed on banners across several federal buildings, including the Department of Justice. His appointees to the Kennedy Center governing board have also facilitated the rebranding of the national performing arts facility to include his name, originally designated as a memorial for assassinated President John F. Kennedy.
Trump’s signature will also appear on U.S. currency for the first time in history as part of the 250th-anniversary plans, diverging from the traditional signatures of the Treasury secretary and treasurer.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which includes Trump appointee Rodney Mims Cook Jr., authorized the minting of a commemorative gold coin featuring Trump’s image. This decision, made under a legal provision for commemorative coins, prompted criticism. Detractors have drawn parallels to the practices of dictators and monarchs, expressing concern over the precedent being set.
As discussions continue, the proposed $250 bill remains contingent on the outcome of upcoming legislative decisions.
