The Trump administration is preparing for the possibility of a commemorative $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump as part of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during a White House briefing on Thursday, May 28, that the Treasury Department has already begun preliminary planning in case Congress approves legislation allowing a living president to appear on US currency.
“Right now, there is proposed legislation from the House, in front of the Senate, to change the first requirement, so that a living person, Donald J. Trump, could be on a $250 bill,” Bessent said during the briefing. “At Treasury, we prepare things in advance.”
Current federal law prohibits living people from appearing on US currency. Any exception would require congressional approval.
The proposal stems from legislation introduced by Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, who said the bill would “symbolically recognize the president of the United States during the Semiquincentennial anniversary” of the country, according to a press release from his office.
The legislation has not advanced significantly in Congress, and there is currently no indication it will pass.
Still, Treasury officials confirmed the Bureau of Engraving and Printing has begun conducting what a spokesperson described as “appropriate planning and due diligence” tied to the active legislation.
Mockups circulating online show a bill featuring a portrait of Trump alongside patriotic imagery and a “250” anniversary logo. The design closely resembles artwork previously shared on X by Republican Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky earlier this year.
Treasury officials also confirmed Trump’s signature is expected to appear on future currency under existing Treasury plans.
“Based on the recommendation of U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, Secretary Bessent will recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Trump by adding his signature to the currency,” the spokesperson said.
Asked during Thursday’s briefing whether putting Trump’s face on currency was appropriate while many Americans continue struggling with rising costs, Bessent defended the idea.
“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,” Bessent said.
Bessent compared the proposal to broader nationwide celebrations planned for America’s 250th birthday, which will include events funded by federal, state, local, and private sources.
Treasury officials also emphasized that no taxpayer money would be used for the commemorative currency project because the Bureau of Engraving and Printing operates as a self-funded agency rather than relying on congressional appropriations.
