Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed Thursday that the Treasury Department has prepared designs for a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump, citing pending legislation in Congress that would create an exception to federal law barring living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency.
“There is proposed legislation, in front of the House, in front of the Senate, to change the first requirement so that a living person, Donald J. Trump, could be on a $250 bill,” Bessent said. “It’s all up on Capitol Hill. At Treasury, we prepare things in advance, so we have prepared in advance that if the legislation is passed — but we will stick to the law.”
Bessent emphasized that while designs have been prepared, the Treasury will adhere to existing law unless Congress passes the proposed legislation.
The Legislation: Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act
The bill driving these preparations, formally titled the Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act, was introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C. It would amend the Federal Reserve Act to require the Treasury Secretary to print $250 Federal Reserve notes featuring Trump’s portrait.
The bill is intended as a symbolic recognition of Trump during the nation’s semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026.
The legislation has stalled in the House Committee on Financial Services for over a year. It would still need to pass the Senate with a bipartisan majority of 60 votes, which Democrats are expected to attempt to block. If it does not pass before the end of the 119th Congress, the bill expires and would need to be reintroduced.
Federal Law Restricting Living Individuals on Currency
Current federal law is clear: 31 U.S. Code § 5114 states that “only the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities.”
No living person has appeared on U.S. currency since 1866, after Treasury official Spencer Clark appeared on a note, sparking public outrage. Wilson’s bill would create a statutory exception for current and former presidents, allowing Trump’s portrait to appear.
Treasury Department Preparations
Despite the legislation’s uncertain status, Trump administration officials pressed the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to design the $250 bill.
- U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, a Trump appointee, and his senior adviser requested prototypes of the note.
- The design provided to BEP staff in August 2025 features Trump’s portrait, a 250th anniversary logo, and Trump’s own signature, which would mark the first time a sitting president’s signature appears on U.S. currency.
- Treasury announced in March 2026 that future currency would include Trump’s signature, and earlier moves included a $1 coin featuring Trump and new designs for the nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar celebrating America 250.
A Treasury spokesperson told CBS News that BEP is conducting “appropriate planning and due diligence” in case the legislation passes, emphasizing that the agency will follow the law.
A Pattern of Currency and Institutional Branding
The $250 bill is the latest in a series of Trump administration efforts to place Trump’s name or image on federal currency and coins:
- March 2026: Treasury announced Trump’s signature on future paper currency
- October 2025: Development of a $1 coin featuring Trump
- December 2025: Redesigned coins for America 250 celebrations
- Additional efforts include renaming the Kennedy Center to the Trump Kennedy Center and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America via executive order — both moves currently facing legal challenges.
Bessent concluded his briefing by reiterating:
“We will stick to the law,” while making clear that designs are ready if Congress changes the rules.
Summary Table: Proposed $250 Trump Bill
| Feature | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Proposed Bill | Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act | Pending in Congress |
| Sponsor | Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C. | Introduced |
| Purpose | Commemorate U.S. semiquincentennial and feature Trump | Symbolic |
| Current Law | 31 U.S. Code § 5114 — only deceased individuals on currency | In effect |
| Treasury Actions | BEP design prototypes, Trump portrait, 250th anniversary logo, signature | Prepared pending law |
| Currency Signature | Trump’s signature on currency for the first time | Planned March 2026 |
| Other Trump Currency Projects | $1 coin, redesigned nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar | Active |
| Institutional Branding | Renaming Kennedy Center, Gulf of America | Legal challenges ongoing |
| Congressional Hurdle | Requires House & Senate approval; 60 Senate votes for passage | Pending |
The proposed $250 bill featuring Donald Trump highlights the interplay of legislation, tradition, and symbolic federal recognition. While Treasury has proactively prepared designs, federal law currently prohibits living individuals from appearing on currency.
The bill’s fate rests with Congress, and unless passed, the initiative remains a symbolic gesture tied to the 250th anniversary of American independence.
