President Donald Trump is well known for putting his personal stamp on big moments, and now he’s reportedly pushing for his own portrait to appear on a proposed $250 banknote.
Since returning to office, Trump has pursued a rapid slate of changes — from visible adjustments around the White House to a wave of executive actions that have reshaped parts of federal policymaking — reinforcing his reputation for going all-in.
With the United States nearing 250 years since declaring independence, the president is said to be eager to ensure his name is tied to the landmark anniversary in a lasting way.
The idea being floated: a new $250 bill featuring Trump’s face, created as a commemorative note for the occasion.
But before anything like that could happen, the administration would have to clear some major legal obstacles.
For starters, federal law has long barred living people from being depicted on US currency. That rule — in place since 1866 — prevents any living individual from appearing on “the bonds, securities, notes, or postal currency of the United States,” according to Britannica.
Because of that restriction, any attempt to place Trump on a new denomination would require an act of Congress. A legislative proposal has been put forward that would, if approved, allow a living person to appear on a $250 note tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
At a recent news conference, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the constraints currently governing US banknotes, saying (per The Guardian): “As treasury secretary, I have two mandates for US currency at present: that no living person can be on US currency, and the currency must say ‘In God we trust’.
“So, right now, there is proposed legislation in 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 the $250 bill.”
Bessent added that the Treasury Department would follow existing law, emphasizing that any change to those rules would need to come from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
The suggestion has already drawn sharp pushback. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries posted a blunt response on Twitter.
“Hard No on a Trump $250 bill,” he wrote. “Get over yourself. The upcoming July 4th anniversary is not about a wannabe King. It’s about celebrating the American journey.”
A mock-up of the proposed note was created by British painter Iain Alexander, who has reportedly been described as the president’s “favorite British artist,” according to comments he gave The Washington Post.
In a statement provided to the newspaper, a Treasury Department spokesperson said the government’s printing office “is conducting appropriate planning and due diligence” in light of the draft legislation.
They added: “Should this legislative mandate be signed into law, the [Bureau of Engraving & Printing] is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation.”