Trump Allies Push Plan for $250 Bill With His Face

The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing for the possible creation of a new $250 banknote that could feature his portrait, if Congress approves legislation allowing the move.

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Current US law prohibits living people from appearing on American currency. However, Republican lawmakers allied with Trump have introduced a bill that would create an exception and authorise a commemorative $250 note tied to the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

A spokesperson for the Treasury Department told the BBC that the agency was carrying out “appropriate planning and due diligence” in response to the proposal.

Treasury Begins Preparations

According to the Treasury Department, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has already been asked to begin preparing possible designs for the commemorative note, although no artwork has been released publicly.

The Washington Post first reported the department’s planning efforts.

The Treasury spokesperson said the BEP was “moving proactively” in case the legislation becomes law, adding that the note would recognise “the 250th Anniversary of our great nation”.

Trump’s signature is already expected to appear on some US paper currency as part of the upcoming semiquincentennial commemorations.

The legislation was introduced last year by Republican Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina. It would still require approval from both chambers of Congress before any new note could be produced.

Speaking at a White House briefing on Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the matter ultimately rested with Congress, though the Treasury was preparing in case lawmakers approved the proposal.

Bessent also defended the idea, saying he did not see “anything untoward” about featuring the sitting president on a commemorative note linked to the nation’s anniversary.

Legal and Political Questions

The proposal could face another legal hurdle because federal law currently specifies which denominations the Treasury is allowed to issue, and $250 notes are not included among them.

Democratic Senator Mark Warner criticised the plan, arguing it showed misplaced priorities at a time when Americans were facing rising living costs.

Warner said the administration appeared more focused on promoting Trump’s image than addressing issues such as housing, fuel and healthcare costs. He added that families would not need a $250 note “just to fill up their gas tanks” if more effort was spent lowering prices.

Larger Bills No Longer Circulate

The largest denomination currently printed in the US is the $100 bill, which features founding father Benjamin Franklin.

The United States previously issued larger notes, including $500, $1,000 and $10,000 bills, but they were discontinued in 1969. Although they remain legal tender, they are rarely seen outside private collections.

Producing new currency designs is typically a lengthy process involving several agencies, including the Federal Reserve and the US Secret Service. Designs are usually kept secret until shortly before release to reduce counterfeiting risks and avoid public confusion.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing says note designs are normally made public six to eight months before launch for education and preparation purposes.

It remains unclear whether a new $250 bill could be produced in time for the US anniversary celebrations on 4 July.

Wider Push to Promote Trump Branding

Since returning to office last year, Trump and his allies have pursued several efforts to place his name and image on national institutions and symbols.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was renamed to include Trump’s name, while his portrait is set to appear on US passports. The presidential aircraft Air Force One is also being repainted using colours preferred by Trump.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026