US Plans $250 Bill Featuring Trump’s Face for 250th Anniversary

The administration of Donald Trump is preparing for the possible introduction of a commemorative $250 bill bearing the president’s portrait as part of celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the Treasury Department and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing have begun preliminary work on the proposed note while awaiting action from Congress.

The proposal stems from legislation introduced by Joe Wilson, a Republican lawmaker from South Carolina, who wants Congress to authorize the special banknote to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary.

If approved, the bill would mark the first time in more than 150 years that a living person has appeared on U.S. currency. Current federal law prohibits the image of a living individual from being featured on American banknotes, meaning Congress would need to pass an exception before the note could be issued.

“Should this legislative mandate be signed into law, the BEP is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation,” Bessent said.

He stressed that the decision ultimately rests with lawmakers.

“It’s all in the hands of Congress,” Bessent said, adding that the Treasury Department is simply preparing in case the legislation succeeds.

The Treasury secretary also argued that there is nothing inappropriate about featuring the sitting president on a commemorative note tied to the country’s 250th anniversary.

The proposal forms part of a broader effort by the administration to incorporate Trump’s image, name, or signature into national symbols connected to the anniversary celebrations. Earlier plans included a commemorative gold coin bearing Trump’s likeness, while the Treasury Department has already announced that future U.S. banknotes will carry Trump’s signature alongside Bessent’s, breaking with a tradition that dates back more than 160 years.

Despite the administration’s preparations, the legislation faces significant hurdles. The bill remains stalled in Congress, and legal experts note that existing federal statutes not only bar living individuals from appearing on currency but also do not currently authorize a $250 denomination. Any new note would therefore require congressional approval on multiple fronts.

The proposal has sparked sharp political debate, with supporters describing it as a fitting tribute to Trump’s presidency and the nation’s 250th anniversary, while critics argue that placing a living president on U.S. currency would break long-standing traditions and further politicize national symbols.