The United States Treasury Department is making preparations to print a new $250 bill featuring the face of President Donald Trump. According to officials, the department has begun preliminary work on the design and production of the note, though current law prohibits the depiction of any living president on American currency.
Legislative Hurdle
The administration is reportedly preparing for the possibility that Congress will pass legislation authorizing the special Trump bill. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the matter in the White House briefing room on Thursday, stating, "It's all in the hands of Capitol Hill. We prepared things in advance, but we will stick to the law."
Bessent further commented that he saw nothing "untoward" about featuring the president who was in office during the nation's 250th anniversary on the bill. The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding.
Congressional Proposal
Last year, Republican Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina proposed a bill that would require the Treasury to print $250 notes with Trump's portrait. However, the legislation has not yet been taken up for consideration by Congress.
The Washington Post reported that two Trump political appointees began urging the creation of drafts for the new $250 note, including mockups of the president's likeness. These efforts have accelerated in recent months as the administration seeks to secure the change before the anniversary year.
Historical Context
If Congress changes the law, Trump would become the first living person to appear on U.S. currency since 1866, when Salmon P. Chase, then Treasury Secretary, appeared on the $1 bill. The precedent set by the 1866 law has remained largely unchanged for over a century and a half.
The president has already made history regarding his presence on money. Earlier this year, the Treasury Department announced that Trump's signature would appear on all newly printed currency, a departure from the tradition of featuring the signatures of the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer. This change was implemented without legislative action and has been reflected in recent banknote releases.
Next Steps
The Treasury Department has confirmed that it has prepared design concepts and initial printing protocols for the $250 bill, but no production will commence without congressional approval. The administration is expected to lobby lawmakers to pass the necessary legislation in the coming months.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential cost and practicality of introducing a new denomination, as well as the precedent of placing a living political figure on currency. Supporters argue that the bill would honor Trump's role during a historic period and boost national pride during the 250th anniversary celebrations.
The fate of the $250 bill now rests with Congress, where the proposal faces uncertain prospects amid partisan debates over fiscal policy and tradition.
