Trump Administration Prepares Designs for $250 Bill Featuring President's Portrait
The U.S. Treasury Department has prepared mock-ups of a new $250 Federal Reserve note bearing President Donald J. Trump's portrait, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed Thursday, pending congressional approval to override longstanding rules barring living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency.
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| Credit: Evan Vucci/Reuters |
The effort ties directly to plans for the nation's semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
A bill introduced in February 2025 by Rep. Joe Wilson, a South Carolina Republican, would amend the Federal Reserve Act to require the Treasury to print the new denomination within one year of enactment and explicitly allow Trump's image.
The legislation remains stalled in committee.
Bessent addressed the proposal during a White House press briefing on May 28, displaying a mock-up and stating that the department has conducted "appropriate planning and due diligence."
He emphasized that current law prohibits living persons on currency and that the Treasury would adhere to existing rules absent new legislation.
"We have prepared in advance," Bessent said, noting the two current mandates: no living person on currency and the inclusion of "In God We Trust."
The proposed change would address the first restriction for this specific note.
According to reporting by The Washington Post, Trump political appointees, including U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach and senior adviser Mike Brown, have pressed the Bureau of Engraving and Printing since last year to develop the design.
Staff received mock-ups featuring Trump's portrait, signature, an American flag, and "250 AMERICA" or similar anniversary branding.
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| 250 dollar bill |
Patricia "Patty" Solimene, then-director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, resisted on legal and practical grounds, citing prohibitions on living persons and the typical six-to-eight-year timeline for new currency designs, especially high-denomination notes.
She was reassigned last month; Brown is now serving in an acting role.
A Treasury spokesperson confirmed the agency is "moving proactively" should Congress pass the mandate but stressed no printing has occurred.
Historical and Legal Context
U.S. currency has not featured a living person's portrait in more than 150 years, with the last instances occurring in the 19th century.
Federal law and longstanding Treasury policy reserve currency portraits for deceased presidents and other historical figures to avoid politicization of the money supply.
The $250 denomination itself would be new.
Current circulating notes run from $1 to $100, with higher values like $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 discontinued decades ago for anti-counterfeiting and practical reasons.
Proponents argue a larger bill could reduce bulk for cash transactions, though physical currency use continues to decline.
The bill's text states it is the sense of Congress that the notes commemorate the 250th anniversary.
It would also amend rules to permit living former or current presidents on currency in this case.
Democrats have signaled opposition, describing the push as ego-driven. Supporters view it as a fitting tribute during Trump's presidency coinciding with the anniversary milestone.
Bessent played down controversy, saying he saw "nothing untoward" about the idea if authorized by Congress.
No firm timeline exists for any vote on H.R. 1761.
Even if passed, production and distribution of a new high-value note would face significant logistical hurdles, including security features, distribution to Federal Reserve banks, and public adoption.
The episode highlights the intersection of commemorative symbolism, executive influence over independent agencies, and congressional authority over currency.
Whether the $250 Trump bill ever circulates depends on lawmakers resolving the current impasse before or around the July 4, 2026, anniversary.
For now, it remains a prepared design awaiting legislative green light.
