The United States Treasury Department is preparing to issue a new $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump’s portrait as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently displayed a mock-up of the proposed $250 note during a White House briefing. The plan is tied to America’s semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of independence. However, current federal law prohibits any living person from appearing on US currency. This means Congress must first pass new legislation to allow the change.
A bill titled the “Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act” (H.R. 1761) was introduced by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson last year. If passed, it would make Trump the first living person to appear on American currency in over 150 years.
Supporters argue that the bill would be a historic and symbolic way to honor the president serving during this important national milestone. Critics, mainly from the Democratic side, have called it political grandstanding and say it goes against long-standing traditions.
The Treasury Department has stated that it is conducting planning and design work in advance, but no final decision has been made. The proposal has sparked heated political debate across the country, with many questioning whether a personal legacy should be placed on national currency.
The outcome will depend on whether Congress approves the necessary legal changes.
