Donald Trump’s administration wants the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a $250 banknote with Trump’s image.
According to reports, officials within the Trump administration are exploring the possibility of creating a $250 banknote featuring Trump’s image. However, there are significant legal obstacles standing in the way.
Under the Thayer Amendment, which became law in 1866, the likeness of a living person cannot appear on official U.S. currency, bonds, or other financial notes, according to the New York Post. There is also a separate law that limits U.S. currency to specific denominations.
Despite those hurdles, the Treasury Department reportedly confirmed that planning efforts are underway should Congress ultimately approve the proposal.
“In response to active legislation sponsored by Representative Joe Wilson, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is conducting appropriate planning and due diligence,” a Treasury spokeswoman told The Post. “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.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the department’s preparations, saying: “You have to prepare in advance. You can’t draw something up the day before.
“I don’t think that there’s anything untoward about having the … person who is president of the United States on the 250th anniversary bill.”
Donald Trump on the $250 bill
According to the report, U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach and his senior adviser Mike Brown pushed for development of the proposed banknote. Beach reportedly provided staff with mock-up designs last year.
Patricia Solimene, then-director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, reportedly raised her concerns: “She had told them we’re not authorized to do this. We can’t progress any further, and all the stakeholders have not even met to discuss the next steps,” a source told the outlet. “Currency often takes six to eight years to produce a new bill, particularly one of such high value.”
This has sparked debate, with lawmakers on both sides introducing legislation related to the proposal. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) introduced legislation in April that would prohibit Trump’s signature from appearing on U.S. currency, according to the New York Post. Last year, several senators also proposed a bill aimed at preventing Trump’s likeness from being placed on a coin.
Meanwhile, some Republicans have backed efforts to feature the president on future currency. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) introduced legislation last year that would place Trump on the $100 bill in place of Benjamin Franklin, while Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) has advocated for Trump’s image to appear on a $250 note. So far, none of those proposals have gained significant support in either chamber of Congress.
