US Prepares to Print $250 Banknote Featuring Trump's Portrait

The US government is preparing to print a $250 banknote featuring President Donald Trump’s portrait should lawmakers approve the move. Federal law prohibits printing US currency with images of living individuals, but Trump’s allies in Congress have proposed new legislation. A Treasury Department spokesperson told the BBC that the agency is ‘undertaking appropriate planning and due diligence’ in response to the proposed bill. Lawmakers behind the proposal say the denomination would commemorate the US’s 250th anniversary this year. If passed, the banknote would be the latest example of Trump and his allies placing his image, name, and likeness on national institutions and symbols. Trump’s signature was already scheduled to appear on US banknotes as part of the anniversary celebrations. The artistic concept for the $250 banknote has not been released publicly, but the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), a Treasury subagency responsible for currency production, has been asked to design it. The Washington Post first reported the Treasury Department’s plans. ‘If this legislative mandate is signed into law, the BEP will proactively produce the $250 commemorative banknote to appropriately mark the anniversary of our great nation,’ a Treasury spokesperson said. The bill requires approval from the US House of Representatives and Senate. When asked about the possibility of new banknotes, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the matter is ‘entirely in Congress’s hands’ and the department would follow the law if legislation is passed. He added he saw ‘nothing inappropriate’ about depicting a sitting official on a 250th anniversary commemorative banknote. The move may also conflict with federal laws specifying permissible denominations. The $100 banknote, featuring Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers, is currently the highest denomination in circulation. The US previously issued higher denominations such as $500, $1,000, and $10,000 notes, but the practice was halted in 1969. These high-denomination notes remain legal tender but are no longer in circulation, as most are held by currency collectors. New banknotes typically take years to develop and involve various agencies including the Federal Reserve Board and US Secret Service. Designs are kept confidential. ‘Releasing designs early would aid counterfeiters and cause market confusion, undermining confidence in US currency,’ the BEP stated. It is unclear whether the $250 banknote can be printed in time for the 250th anniversary on 4 July. US Senator Mark Warner, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, criticised the proposal. ‘As Americans struggle with rising costs for fuel, groceries, housing, and healthcare, President Trump’s priority of using taxpayer funds for this initiative fails to address everyday family challenges,’ Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, said. Since taking office last year, President Trump has sought to place his image, name, and likeness on public buildings and US symbols. The Kennedy Center was renamed to include Trump’s name, and his portrait will appear on US passports. Presidential aircraft Air Force One is also being repainted in Trump’s preferred colours.