WASHINGTON — For more than a century, federal law has stipulated that only deceased individuals may appear on U.S. currency, but that could change. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, proposed legislation could amend the Federal Reserve Act and allow a portrait of President Donald J. Trump be printed on a $250 bill.
What You Need To Know
For more than a century, federal law has stipulated that only deceased individuals may appear on U.S. currency, but that could change
As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, proposed legislation could amend the Federal Reserve Act and allow a portrait of President Donald J. Trump be printed on a $250 bill
In February, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., introduced the Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act in the House. The legislation would “amend the Federal Reserve Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to print $250 Federal reserve notes featuring a portrait of Donald J. Trump”
“I don’t think that there’s anything untoward about having the President of the United States, the person who was President of the United States, on the 250th anniversary bill,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday during a White House press briefing
“I don’t think that there’s anything untoward about having the president of the United States, the person who was president of the United States on the 250th anniversary bill,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday during a White House press briefing.
In February 2025, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., introduced the Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act in the House. The legislation would “amend the Federal Reserve Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to print $250 Federal reserve notes featuring a portrait of Donald J. Trump, and for other purposes.”
It states the bills with Trump’s portrait would be printed to commemorate the country’s semiquincentennial, but the legislation has been languishing with less than two months to go until the nation celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July Fourth.
Responding to a Washington Post report that two political appointees from the Treasury Department were pushing the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to expedite the process for the new currency note, Bessent said: “At Treasury, we prepare things in advance, so we have prepared in advance if the legislation is passed, but we will stick to the law.”
As treasury secretary, he said, he has two mandates for U.S. currency: No living person can be on U.S. currency, and currency must say “In God We Trust.”
Legislation pending before Congress would change the first requirement so a living person — in this case Trump — could indeed appear on a $250 bill.
“In response to active legislation sponsored by Representative Joe Wilson, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is conducting appropriate planning and due diligence,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement to The Associated Press. “Should this legislative mandate be signed into law, the BEP is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation.”
Democrats have criticized the proposal.
“As Americans struggle with the rising cost of gas, groceries, housing, and health care, President Trump’s priorities for taxpayer dollars are completely detached from the challenges families face every day: a gold-plated ballroom; a monument blocking Arlington National Cemetery; renaming buildings and airports after himself; rewards for allies who attacked the Capitol on January 6; a passport bearing his image; and now, apparently, even a proposal for a $250 bill with his face on it,” Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a statement released to various news outlets.
“If this White House put even half as much energy into working to lower costs as it does into stoking the president’s ego,” he continued, “American families wouldn’t need that new $250 bill just to fill up their gas tanks.”
Democratic presidential nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrote on X on Thursday: “By the end of Trump’s term, it’ll be just enough to buy one gallon of gas and a carton of eggs.”
Wilson wrote on X on Thursday: “Grateful to commemorate President Trump’s legacy of greatness and the 250 anniversary of America. I am looking forward to final passage of this bill.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.