The US Treasury is preparing to print a $250 banknote that could bear President
Donald Trump's portrait — which would put a living person on US currency for the first time in more than a century. Federal law bars images of living people on American money, and the printing would go ahead only if Congress passes an exception, the BBC reported. The $250 figure is meant to mark the country's 250th anniversary this year.
What would the proposal require? The exception was introduced last year by Representative Joe Wilson, a South Carolina Republican, and needs approval from both the House and the Senate. The plan would also collide with a separate federal law that sets which denominations may be produced, a list that does not include $250. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has requested design concepts, none of which have been made public.
How has the Treasury responded? The agency is "conducting appropriate planning and due diligence" pending the legislation, a Treasury spokesperson told the BBC. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the question was "all in the hands" of Congress, that his department would follow the law, and that he did not "think there's anything untoward" about marking the anniversary with the sitting president's image.
How are Democrats reacting? Democratic lawmakers have vowed to block the measure, casting it as a vanity project, the Guardian reported. The proposal adds to a run of moves placing
Trump's name, signature and likeness on national symbols, and his signature is already set to appear on notes issued for the anniversary; the Treasury's plans were first reported by the Washington Post.
Figures referenced: Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.