The U.S. Treasury Department has designed a commemorative $250 banknote featuring the portrait of President Donald Trump [1].
The proposal seeks to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States and highlight the legacy of the Trump administration [1, 2]. However, the initiative faces a significant legal hurdle because current law prohibits any living president from appearing on U.S. currency [3].
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the design on May 28, 2026 [4]. The move would require an act of Congress to change existing statutes before the bill could be printed and released [3].
"We have a design for a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump," Bessent said [4].
Bessent said the Treasury is preparing the bill but emphasized that the final decision rests with lawmakers. The $250 denomination is intended to align with the 250th anniversary of the country [1].
"I don’t think there’s anything untoward about having Trump on a commemorative bill; it’s up to Congress," Bessent said [5].
Despite the Treasury's preparation of the design, the legal restriction remains a primary obstacle. Bessent said the necessity of legislative action during a briefing and in interviews.
"The law currently states no living president can appear on currency, so Congress would have to change the law," Bessent said [3].
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C., would be responsible for the production of the notes should the legislation pass [1, 4].
“"We have a design for a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump."”
This proposal represents a rare attempt to alter the historical tradition of U.S. currency, which typically reserves portraits for deceased figures to avoid the appearance of self-glorification by sitting leaders. By tying the banknote to the 250th anniversary of the United States, the administration is attempting to frame the move as a national celebration rather than a personal tribute, though the requirement for congressional approval ensures the move will be a subject of political debate.
