The Treasury Department has prepared designs for a commemorative $250 bill bearing President Donald Trump’s portrait as part of plans tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary, officials confirmed.
Under current law, living presidents are barred from appearing on U.S. currency, so the Treasury says it has developed materials in advance while leaving any decision to Congress. “It’s all in the hands of… Capitol Hill,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters, adding the department would follow whatever the law requires.
Bessent defended the idea of featuring the president who is in office during the bicentennial celebration, saying he did not see anything inappropriate about it. He also displayed documents and a newspaper draft while briefing reporters.
Last year, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) introduced legislation proposing $250 notes with Trump’s portrait, but that bill has not advanced. The Washington Post reported that two Trump political appointees had urged Treasury staff to begin mockups of a $250 note that included the president’s likeness.
If Congress amended the law to allow it, Trump would become the first living person depicted on U.S. currency since 1866.
The proposed $250 note is one of several moves to put the president’s image or name on federal items tied to the 250th anniversary. Earlier this year the Treasury announced that Trump’s signature would appear on new printed currency — a change from the longstanding practice of featuring signatures from the treasury secretary and the treasurer.
Other contemplated or implemented commemorative items include a passport design, a special coin, a National Parks pass, and prominent displays in Washington, such as a banner over the Justice Department. The administration has also added Trump’s name to buildings and initiatives, continuing a pattern of marking federal property and materials with the president’s brand.
Officials emphasize that any currency changes require statutory authorization from Congress. For now, the Treasury is preparing drafts and designs so it can move quickly if lawmakers act.