Trump seeks to appear on new $250 bill despite current federal ban
The proposal breaks a historical rule and raises alarms about the political use of currency in the United States.
Officials close to President Donald Trump are pressuring the Treasury Department to create a new $250 bill with the president's image, a proposal that has sparked political controversy and legal questions.
The initiative, promoted by Treasurer Brandon Beach and advisor Mike Brown, seeks to launch a commemorative edition for the 250th anniversary of US independence. However, experts and former officials warn that the project would directly clash with federal laws that prohibit including living people in the national currency.
An unprecedented presidential ticket
Internal documents cited by national media show preliminary designs of the bill with Trump's face next to the phrase "250 AMERICA" and patriotic symbols linked to the celebrations of the next national anniversary.
British artist Iain Alexander, involved in the proposal, said that Trump personally reviewed the design and “loved it.”
The reverse of the bill would include an image of Betsy Ross, a historical figure associated with the first United States flag. Its promoters maintain that the initiative seeks to recognize “the economic achievements” of the Republican administration and reinforce patriotic symbolism towards 2026.
Legal obstacles and political criticism
Since 1866, US law has prohibited living people from appearing on federal bills or coins. The restriction was approved after a Treasury official placed his own image on paper currency without authorization from Congress.
Former Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director Larry R. Felix publicly stated that the agency “has no legal authority” to issue such a piece without legislative approval.
In addition to the legal challenges, specialists warn that modifying the dollar could generate international concern about the institutional neutrality of the US currency.
The proposal would also involve million-dollar technical changes in ATMs and global financial systems, due to the introduction of a new denomination.
Meanwhile, the Treasury Department confirmed that it continues to evaluate the project, although it avoided specifying whether it will formally advance before Congress.