The U.S. Treasury Department is evaluating the introduction of a $250 bill featuring a portrait of President Trump. Any such banknote would necessitate alterations to federal law, according to a Treasury official speaking with CBS News.
This initiative was initially reported by the Washington Post, following legislation tabled last year by Rep. Joe Wilson, a South Carolina Republican. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the potential banknote during a White House press briefing.
“Currently, U.S. currency does not permit living individuals’ portraits and mandates the phrase ‘In God We Trust,'” Bessent stated. “There is legislation in front of Congress to change the first requirement to allow President Donald J. Trump to be featured on the $250 bill.”
Treasury Secretary Bessent affirmed the department’s readiness to comply should the legislative change occur. He emphasized adherence to existing laws while holding a Washington Post article about the potential bill during the press briefing.
An official from the Treasury shared with CBS News that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is conducting planning in response to the legislative proposal. The legislation aims to mark the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
Federal law restricts U.S. currency portraits to deceased individuals. Wilson’s bill seeks to modify the Federal Reserve Act, directing the Treasury Secretary to produce $250 bills featuring Trump.
Introduced as the “Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act” in February 2025, the proposal currently resides with the House Committee on Financial Services.
In recent months, there have been efforts to intertwine Trump’s name with currency, including the Treasury’s March announcement regarding Trump’s signature on future currency and developments of a $1 commemorative coin for the 250th anniversary.
Regarding design, the Treasury official pointed to Rep. Wilson’s legislation, which includes AI-generated mock-ups. Wilson’s office released an image depicting a color portrait of Trump on the left side of the $250 note.
The Washington Post also shared a mockup image provided by White House officials to BEP staff, illustrating a green ink bill akin to existing currency, featuring a central image of Trump.
Currency design can span years; the BEP plans to limit public release until months before circulation to deter counterfeiting, as stated by a Treasury official.
If realized, the $250 bill will join other currency items created to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar will feature new designs, unveiled in December 2025.
The U.S. Mint describes these coin designs as celebrating America’s journey towards a “more perfect union” and commemorating the nation’s core values of liberty.
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