Treasury readies $250 bill with Trump’s portrait amid anniversary push

The Treasury Department is quietly preparing designs for a $250 banknote that would bear former President Donald Trump’s likeness, a move that would require Congress to change longstanding laws prohibiting living persons on U.S. currency [1]. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters the agency is “preparing in advance” but will “stick to the law” if the proposal does not pass [4].

Key takeaways

• The Treasury is drafting mock‑ups of a $250 note with Trump’s portrait and signature [1].
• Federal law, dating to the 1866 Thayer Amendment, bars living people from appearing on U.S. money [2].
• The effort is tied to legislation introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson that links the denomination to the nation’s 250th anniversary [3].
• Treasury officials say the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is conducting “appropriate planning and due diligence” pending congressional action [5].
• Critics note the proposal could set a precedent and has sparked internal controversy within the Treasury [1].

Legislative push and internal preparation

Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina introduced the “Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act” last year, attaching an AI‑generated mock‑up of the proposed note and framing the denomination as a celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday [1]. The bill was referred to the House Financial Services Committee in early 2025 and has awaited a committee hearing, according to a GOP aide [3].

Within the Treasury, two political appointees—U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach and senior adviser Mike Brown—have reportedly been urging the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to create design concepts, even producing drafts that feature Trump’s image alongside his signature and Bessent’s [1]. Former BEP director Patricia Solimene warned that the agency lacks legal authority to produce such a note and that the process could take years; she was reassigned in April, a move she said was not her choice [1].

Treasury’s public stance and legal hurdles

At a White House briefing, Bessent defended the department’s preparatory work, saying it is “all in the hands of… Capitol Hill” and that the agency is simply ready if Congress amends the law [4]. He added that there is nothing “untoward” about having the president who serves during the 250th anniversary appear on the bill [4]. The Treasury spokesperson confirmed that the BEP is “conducting appropriate planning and due diligence” while awaiting legislative approval [5].

If Congress were to change the law, Trump would become the first living person to appear on U.S. currency since the 1866 amendment barred such practice [4].

Why it matters

The proposal highlights a clash between long‑standing numismatic tradition and a political effort to embed a contemporary leader’s image in national symbols. Should legislation pass, it would require a rare amendment to the Thayer Amendment and could open the door to future requests for living figures on money. The Treasury’s advance work underscores how agencies often prepare for potential policy shifts, even amid public controversy and competing priorities such as cost‑of‑living concerns. For now, the $250 Trump note remains a contingent project, awaiting congressional action before any printing can begin.