CNN's Kaitlan Collins Confronts Bessent: Is it a Good Idea' Politically to Put Trump's Face on $250 Bill When People Are Struggling to Afford Gas?'

A question was raised about whether it is politically appropriate to place President Donald Trump’s face on a $250 bill while people struggle with basic costs like gas and groceries. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized reporting that claimed Treasury political appointees asked agencies to prepare for the bill, while confirming that preparations would occur if the proposal passed. He said the government prepares in advance and cannot draw designs at the last minute. Bessent argued the 250th anniversary celebration is already planned and that the bill would be funded through a mix of private citizens and federal, state, and municipal governments. He said there is nothing improper about featuring the president on the anniversary bill.

"Collins asked whether it was a good political idea to put the president’s face on a $250 bill when people are struggling to afford gas and groceries. Bessent responded by attacking the reporting as terribly written and edited, then confirmed that Treasury political appointees had asked agencies to be ready if the proposal passed. He said preparations must happen in advance and cannot be done the day before, citing prior readiness for tax guidance."

"Collins followed up by asking if it was true that two political appointees had asked agencies to be ready. Bessent replied, “Yeah, of course. But we prepare for everything if it gets passed, just like we were ready six months in advance for the One Big Beautiful Bill for tax guidance. So we have to prepare in advance. You can't draw something up the day before.”"

"Collins pressed again on the political question, asking whether it was a good idea to put the president’s face on a $250 bill while people struggle to afford gas and groceries. Bessent asked whether the country should have a 250th anniversary celebration, said it was happening anyway, and argued that putting the president’s face on the bill was a choice. He then rejected the premise that it was untoward, saying the bill would be funded through private citizens and multiple levels of government."

"Bessent said, “No, no, no. But Kaitlan, it's not happening anyway. It's happening because it's being funded via-, by private citizens, by the federal government, by state governments, by municipal governments to celebrate our country, shot back Bessent. And I don't think that there's anything untoward about having the President of the United States-, that the person who was President of the United States on the 250th anniversary bill.”"

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