Treasury Explores $250 Bill Featuring President Trump

The Treasury Department is exploring the possibility of creating a $250 bill that would feature the likeness of President Donald Trump [1, 2]. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that prototypes are being constructed, though he emphasized that no bills would be produced without legislative approval [1, 2]. Federal law currently prohibits living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency, a rule that would need to be changed for such a bill to be issued [2].

Key takeaways

• The Treasury Department is developing prototypes for a $250 bill featuring President Trump's image [1, 2].
• Issuing such a bill would require a change in federal law, which currently bars living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency [2].
• A bill introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) aims to allow for the printing of $250 notes with Trump's portrait, but it has not advanced in Congress [1, 2].
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the department will adhere to the law and will not produce the bills without legislative action [2].

Plans for a Presidential Portrait on Currency

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has confirmed that the Treasury Department is working on plans for a $250 bill that would bear the likeness of President Donald Trump [1]. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach has reportedly ordered prototypes to be constructed [1]. This initiative follows a Washington Post report citing four current and former employees who stated that administration officials asked the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to produce these prototypes [2]. Bessent indicated that having the sitting president on a bill, particularly one for the nation's 250th anniversary, is not inappropriate [2]. However, he stressed that the Treasury will "stick to the law" and no bills would be produced without the necessary legislative changes [2].

A significant hurdle is federal law, which has prohibited living people from appearing on U.S. currency since 1866 [2]. To address this, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) introduced a bill in February 2025 that would not only allow but also require the printing of $250 notes featuring Trump's portrait [1, 2]. This bill was referred to committee and has not yet advanced [2]. Bessent acknowledged that Democrats would likely oppose such legislation, potentially leading to a filibuster [1]. A Treasury spokesperson stated that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is conducting "appropriate planning and due diligence" on Wilson's bill and would produce a "$250 commemorative note" for the anniversary if the legislation becomes law [2]. The spokesperson also noted that any designs are not final or public unless the bill becomes law, and the BEP would not release real designs or mockups before that action occurs [2].

Economic Developments and Future Outlook

Beyond currency discussions, Treasury Secretary Bessent has been actively engaging with economic leaders, including a breakfast meeting with Chairman Kevin Warsh [1]. Bessent described these weekly meetings between the Treasury Secretary and Fed chair as rotating between their respective buildings, noting that the food at the Fed is "much better" because they "don't have a budget" and "print their own money" [1]. Bessent also expressed support for Warsh's plan to eliminate forward guidance from the Fed [1].