Treasury Plans $250 Bill Featuring Trump for 250th Anniversary Amid Controversy

The U.S. Treasury Department is preparing to introduce a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump’s portrait for the country’s 250th anniversary. This effort depends on Congress passing a law allowing living individuals to appear on U.S. currency.

Bessent, a Treasury official, stated, “We prepare things in advance. If the legislation is passed, we will stick to the law.” A change in current federal law, which prohibits living people from being on currency, would allow Trump’s image on the $250 bill. Democratic lawmakers oppose the proposal, asserting it focuses more on Trump’s legacy than the nation’s milestone anniversary.

“In response to active legislation sponsored by Representative Joe Wilson, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is conducting appropriate planning and due diligence,” a Treasury spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

Rep. Joe Wilson, a Republican and staunch Trump supporter from South Carolina, introduced the bill in early 2025. Along with marking America’s birthday in July, Wilson aims to challenge the Biden administration’s economic policies. The bill remains under consideration by the House Financial Services Committee.

The U.S. currently issues notes in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations. An image posted by Kentucky Republican Rep. Andy Barr showed a mock-up of the bill with red, white, and blue design elements behind Trump’s portrait.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated existing federal mandates: “No living person can be on U.S. currency,” and currency must include the phrase, “In God we trust.”

Democrats swiftly criticized the proposal on social media:

• Hillary Clinton remarked, “By the end of Trump’s term, it’ll be just enough to buy one gallon of gas and a carton of eggs.”
• Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, “Hard No on a Trump $250 bill. Get over yourself. The upcoming July 4 anniversary is not about a wannabe King. It’s about celebrating the American journey.”
• Senator Mark Warner commented, “While Americans are being crushed by rising prices, Trump is brainstorming new ways to stoke his ego. Maybe if he were more focused on lowering costs for working families, they wouldn’t need a new $250 bill to afford necessities.”

The Democratic National Committee shared a list of perceived priorities, criticizing the creation of the $250 bill among others: “House Republicans’ priorities: ❌ End Trump’s war in Iran ✅ Create a ‘Trump Peace Prize’ ❌ Lower costs for families ✅ Make a new $250 bill with Trump’s face on it ❌ Reign in Trump’s masked ICE agents ✅ Carve Trump’s face on Mt. Rushmore.”

Previously, Treasury announced that Trump’s signature would appear on future U.S. paper currency, alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s signature for the nation’s 250th anniversary.