Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the department has created a design for a $250 bill with President Donald Trump's portrait, pending congressional approval. The move ties into legislation to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and has sparked internal pushback within the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Thursday that his department has completed the design for a proposed $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump . The announcement comes as a bill introduced by Representative Joe Wilson, R-S.C.
, remains stalled in Congress. The legislation would create an exception to the current prohibition on placing the likeness of any living person on U.S. currency, allowing current and former presidents to be depicted. Bessent emphasized that the decision rests with lawmakers but stated that the Treasury must be prepared, confirming the design work is complete. According to reports, U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, a Trump appointee, pushed the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to expedite the process.
The bureau's former director, Patricia Solimene, reportedly resisted, noting the extensive legal and procedural steps required. She was subsequently reassigned, with Michael Brown, a top Beach aide, becoming acting director on May 18, 2025. The reported design includes Trump's portrait-similar to banners displayed on federal buildings-along with a 250th-anniversary logo and, in a departure from standard practice, the president's signature. British artist Iain Alexander claimed he designed the bill in consultation with Trump.
The Treasury Department defended its actions as "appropriate planning and due diligence" to implement a potential congressional mandate. A spokeswoman noted the agency would produce a "$250 commemorative note" to recognize the semiquincentennial, without mentioning Trump. Bessent downplayed the administration's role, stating the president does not decide the matter, even as Trump has centered himself in Independence Day observances and expanded his personal brand across government.
Recent actions include the streamlining of a commemorative 250th-anniversary coin featuring Trump and banners bearing his portrait hung on federal buildings such as the Department of Justice. These steps echo historical precedents, like the 1926 commemorative half-dollar featuring President Calvin Coolidge for the 150th anniversary. The proposed currency and associated actions raise questions about norms surrounding the depiction of living leaders on national symbols
Treasury Department $250 Bill Donald Trump Currency Design Bureau Of Engraving And Printing Legislation Commemorative Note 250Th Anniversary
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