A proposed $250 banknote would feature President Donald Trump’s face, marking the first appearance of a living person on US currency in more than a century. US law currently prohibits living people from appearing on currency, but legislation has been introduced to create an exception for current and former presidents. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said preparations are under way to print the new note, with lawmakers deciding whether it will enter circulation. A design mock-up includes “America 250 anniversary” to reference July 4, 1776. The change is tied to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and the process is being pushed to expedite production. The proposal also reflects continued use of Trump’s image in official federal contexts.
"US law bars any living person from appearing on US currency, but legislation was introduced last year to create an exception to allow current and former presidents to be featured. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Bessent said a design had been prepared in anticipation of a change in the law. Right now, there is proposed legislation 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."
"Bessent made his comments after The Washington Post reported that Treasurer Brandon Beach, a Trump appointee, has been pushing the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to expedite the process for a new currency note to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. I don't think that there's anything untoward about having the president of the United States, the person who's president of the United States, on the 250th anniversary bill, Bessent told reporters. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to Al Jazeera's request for comment."
"A design mock-up obtained by The Washington Post showed the words America 250 anniversary, a nod to the US declaring its independence on July 4, 1776. A banknote featuring Trump's face would be the latest example of the US president expanding his personal brand in his official capacity since returning to the White House in 2025. Banners featuring Trump's portrait have been hung on the Department of Justice and other federal buildings."
Read at www.aljazeera.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]