The US Treasury Department is working on designs and prototypes for a new $250 bill bearing President Donald Trump’s portrait to mark the United States' 250th anniversary [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. The bill’s denomination and design include an American flag motif and an "America 250 anniversary" logo created by British artist Iain Alexander [1, 11, 9].
Current federal law, passed in 1866, bans living persons from appearing on US currency, so Congress must change the law before the bill can be issued [1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10]. Legislation to exempt presidents, including Trump, from this restriction was introduced in February 2025 by Rep. Joe Wilson but has not yet passed [7, 11, 10].
Despite these legal hurdles, Trump-appointed Treasury officials began urging the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in 2025 to prepare prototype designs for the bill [1, 2, 3, 8, 9]. Bureau director Patricia Solimene pushed back on the plan over legal concerns but was abruptly reassigned in April 2026 amid reports of internal pressure [2, 3, 8, 9].
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the proposal, saying, "I don’t think that there’s anything untoward about having the leader who was president during the 250th anniversary featured on a bill," but stressed that "It’s all up to Capitol Hill" [1]. He added, "Right now, there is proposed legislation — front of the House, in front of the Senate — to change the first requirement so that a living person, Donald J. Trump, could be on the $250 bill" [1].
Republicans control the House, where passage may be easier, but Senate approval faces challenges since 60 votes are needed to overcome a filibuster and Republicans hold 53 seats [1, 11]. Opposition is strong among Democrats, with House leader Hakeem Jeffries stating, "Hard no on a Trump $250 bill. Get over yourself. The upcoming July 4th anniversary is not about a wannabe King. It’s about celebrating the American journey" [1]. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also criticized the plan, saying, "By the end of Trump’s term, it’ll be just enough to buy one gallon of gas and a carton of eggs" [5].
In 2026, several Treasury and federal agency actions have promoted Trump’s image on commemorative currency and cultural products, fueling accusations of cultivating a cult of personality [2, 5, 6, 8, 9].
Treasury Secretary Bessent confirmed the preparations publicly during White House briefings on May 28-29, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10]. The bill’s future depends on Congressional action to change longstanding currency laws.
