Trump administration officials have reportedly encouraged the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to start designing a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump's portrait and signature. This move comes as legislation to create the new currency is being considered, though it has yet to pass. If approved, it would be the first time a living person has appeared on U.S. currency in over 150 years, as current federal law restricts such honors to deceased individuals.
Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina introduced a bill ordering the Treasury Department to print the $250 Federal Reserve notes with Trump's portrait. The bill has 15 Republican cosponsors but remains stuck in the House Financial Services committee. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is conducting planning and due diligence in case the legislation passes.
Bessent emphasized during a press briefing that the bill is a proactive measure, noting that the current law prohibits living individuals from being featured on U.S. currency. He stated that the Treasury Department is prepared to act if the legislation is signed into law, but will adhere to the law as it stands. Bessent also defended the idea, stating there is nothing "untoward" about featuring the president on the $250 bill.
The Treasury Department clarified that no taxpayer dollars will be used to produce the new bill, as the Bureau of Engraving and Printing funds its operations through product sales. Additionally, the State Department announced plans to issue special edition passports featuring Trump’s portrait and signature to commemorate the anniversary.