US government prepares to print $250 note featuring Trump's face

May 28, 2026

The Trump administration is making preliminary preparations to print a new $250 bill potentially featuring President Trump's portrait, pending congressional approval of legislation that would bypass the current federal prohibition against depicting living individuals on US currency. Republican Representative Joe Wilson introduced the bill, with supporters claiming the denomination would commemorate America's 250th anniversary in 2025. The Treasury Department has confirmed it is conducting planning and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing has requested design concepts, though Secretary Bessent emphasized the decision ultimately rests with Congress.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump (potential subject of the bill's portrait)
American taxpayers and families (who critics say face rising costs)
US House Representative Joe Wilson (Republican sponsor of the legislation)
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
US Senator Mark Warner (Democratic critic)
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing staff
Currency collectors
Federal Reserve Board and US Secret Service (agencies involved in currency development)

What action is being taken

The Treasury Department is conducting planning and due diligence in response to the legislation
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has requested design concepts for the $250 bill
Congress is considering legislation introduced by Representative Joe Wilson that would allow the exception to current law
Trump's signature is being added to US paper notes as part of semiquincentennial celebrations

Why it matters

This initiative represents a significant departure from longstanding federal law prohibiting living persons from appearing on US currency, a tradition designed to maintain objectivity and avoid personality cults in national symbols. The move is part of a broader pattern by Trump and his allies to associate his image with American institutions and symbols, including the Kennedy Center renaming, passport portraits, and Air Force One repainting. Critics view this as prioritizing presidential ego over addressing Americans' economic concerns during a period of rising costs for essential goods and services, making it a flashpoint in debates about presidential power and appropriate use of national symbols.

What's next

The legislation requires approval from both the US House and Senate
If signed into law, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing would produce the commemorative note
Design concepts would typically be made public six to eight months before release for public and cash handler education
It remains unclear whether the notes could be printed in time for the July 4th anniversary

Read full article from source: BBC