The U.S. Treasury Department is exploring the production of a $250 banknote featuring former President Donald Trump if Congress passes a bill to allow living individuals on U.S. currency, an agency official confirmed on May 28, 2026.
What happened
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the proposed currency during a White House press briefing, emphasizing that current federal law prohibits featuring living persons on U.S. currency and requires the motto “In God We Trust.” The legislation under consideration, introduced by South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson in February 2025, aims to amend the Federal Reserve Act to authorize a $250 bill depicting Trump.
The Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is conducting preliminary planning related to the proposed legislation, specifically preparing to produce a commemorative $250 note for the United States’ 250th anniversary. However, any currency redesign or issuance remains conditional on congressional approval of the bill, which has not advanced beyond the House Financial Services Committee since its introduction.
Visual concepts for the bill circulated publicly include AI-generated mock-ups displaying a color portrait of Trump on the left side. The Treasury clarified these images are unofficial, noting new currency designs typically are finalized and released only months prior to circulation to prevent counterfeiting.
This proposal complements Trump’s recent efforts to be more prominently featured on U.S. currency. In March 2026, the Treasury announced that future currency would bear Trump’s signature, and last fall it unveiled plans for a $1 coin depicting the former president, celebrating the country’s semiquincentennial on July 4.
Why it matters
The introduction of a $250 bill featuring a living former president would mark a major shift in U.S. currency tradition and legal standards, which currently restrict currency portraits to deceased individuals. This case highlights the evolving ties between politics, symbolism, and federal law regarding national icons.
Additionally, the bill serves as a symbolic recognition of the 250th anniversary of American independence, expanding on prior commemorative coin releases that celebrate foundational themes in U.S. history.
Background
U.S. currency designs have long adhered to strict legal guidelines restricting portraits to deceased figures, primarily past presidents and historical leaders. The Federal Reserve Act codifies these rules to maintain the tradition and integrity of national currency.
Rep. Joe Wilson’s “Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act” has stalled since its introduction in early 2025, awaiting committee progress. Meanwhile, the Treasury’s proactive preparations signal willingness to implement the legislation if passed.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing notes that currency redesigns are extensive processes often spanning years, involving security features and formal design approvals before public unveiling.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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