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Commemorative · President Trump · Treasury Department · US Currency
The U.S. Treasury Department announced plans to feature President Donald Trump's signature on all new U.S. paper currency, a historic first for a sitting president, alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's signature, to commemorate America's 250th birthday.
This initiative marks a departure from the traditional practice of only including the Treasury Secretary and Treasurer's signatures. It aligns with a broader pattern of President Trump associating his name with American institutions, including the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center, and a new class of battleships.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members are Trump appointees, also approved a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing his image for the 250th anniversary, despite federal law prohibiting living presidents on currency. Michael Bordo, director at Rutgers' Center for Monetary and Financial History, acknowledges potential political pushback but states the Treasury Secretary likely holds the authority for currency signatures.
Democrats, including Rep. Shontel Brown, criticized the timing, citing rising consumer costs and the war in Iran.
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach supports the decision, and Bordo predicts these bills will become collectors' items. Over $2 trillion in Federal Reserve notes are currently in circulation.
