Treasury Department prepares $250 bill with Trump's face on it

A $250 bill featuring President Trump’s face is being considered for the country’s 250th anniversary. Current law bars living presidents from appearing on currency, but the administration is preparing for Congress to pass legislation allowing a special note. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said preparations were made in advance while still adhering to existing law. A prior proposal by GOP Rep. Joe Wilson would have required $250 notes with Trump’s portrait, but it has not advanced. The possibility of a law change would make Trump the first living person on U.S. currency since 1866. The administration has also moved to place Trump’s signature on newly printed money and has pursued other commemorative items featuring his image.

"President Trump's face could soon appear on a $250 bill as part of the Trump administration's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the country. The law currently states no living president can appear on currency, but the administration is preparing for the possibility that Congress will pass legislation authorizing the special Trump bill. "It's all in the hands of Capitol Hill," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in the White House briefing room Thursday. "We prepared things in advance but we will stick to the law.""

"Bessent added that he didn't think there was anything "untoward" about having the president who was in office during the country's 250th anniversary appear on the bill. Last year, GOP Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina proposed a bill that would require the treasury to print $250 notes with Trump's portrait on it but the legislation hasn't been taken up yet. The Washington Post reported it was two Trump political appointees who began urging the drafts of the new $250 note be created, including mocking up the president's likeness."

"If Congress changes the law, Trump would be the first living person to appear on currency since 1866. The president has already made history when it comes to appearing on money. Earlier this year, the Treasury Department announced Trump's signature would appear on all new printed money - a departure from having signatures from the treasury secretary and the treasurer. It's part of a larger trend of Trump putting his mark on government buildings and institutions and other materials, some in effort to commemorate America's 250th birthday."

"There's the possibility of a new commemorative passport with Trump's face, for example. And the commemorative coin. And the National Parks pass. In Washington, Trump's face looms on a banner over the Justice Department. His name was added onto the Kennedy Center for the"

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