The U.S. Treasury Department is moving forward with plans to create a new $250 bill that could feature President Donald Trump’s portrait, as part of celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), the agency responsible for producing U.S. currency, has already begun planning and requested designs for the commemorative note. According to reports, mock-up versions of the bill have been created that include Trump’s image in the center, along with his signature. However, the final decision depends on Congress passing new legislation.
Legal and Legislative Hurdles
Federal law currently prohibits putting the image of a living person on U.S. currency. This rule dates back to 1866. To get around this restriction, Republican Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina introduced a bill last year that would make a special exception for the $250 note. The legislation has not yet advanced in Congress and would need approval from both the House and Senate.
A Treasury Department spokesperson said the agency is “conducting appropriate planning and due diligence” in case the bill becomes law. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that his department is preparing but will follow whatever Congress decides.
The $250 amount is meant to symbolize the 250th anniversary of the United States, which falls on July 4, 2026. If approved, the note would join other efforts to honor the semiquincentennial.
Current Currency and Past Practices
The highest denomination bill now printed is the $100 note featuring Benjamin Franklin. The U.S. once produced larger bills, including $500, $1,000, and $10,000 notes, but stopped making them in 1969. Those older high-value bills are still legal tender but are rarely used and mostly held by collectors.
New currency designs usually take several years to develop. The process involves testing by multiple agencies, including the Federal Reserve and the Secret Service. Designs are typically kept secret until six to eight months before release to prevent counterfeiting.
Reactions and Criticism
The idea has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia said the focus on a Trump bill shows the administration is out of touch with everyday concerns like gas prices, groceries, and housing costs.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton mocked the proposal on social media, joking that by the end of Trump’s term, $250 might only be enough to buy a gallon of gas and a carton of eggs.
Supporters, including Rep. Wilson, argue the bill would appropriately celebrate both the country’s anniversary and Trump’s leadership.
Part of a Larger Pattern
This proposed $250 bill is not the only recent effort to include Trump on currency or national symbols. His signature is set to appear on future U.S. paper notes starting with the $100 bill — the first time a sitting president’s signature will be featured. The Treasury is also planning Trump-themed commemorative coins for the 250th anniversary.
Since taking office, the Trump administration has also renamed the Kennedy Center to include his name, added his portrait to U.S. passports, and made other changes to highlight his presence on national institutions.
It remains unclear whether the $250 bill will be approved or printed in time for the July 4 anniversary. For now, the project remains on hold until Congress takes action.