US Treasury want to introduce $250 note featuring president Donald Trump’s mugshot, signature
If introduced, Donald Trump would be the first living person to appear on US currency since 1866.
The Trump administration is scrambling to introduce a new bill featuring the US President’s portrait, despite the current rules prohibiting the change.
A mock-up of the $250 note features the mugshot taken of US President Donald Trump after his 2023 arrest, as well as his signature.
US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said the $250 note — a denomination which does not currently exist in the US — would be used to mark 250 years of the country’s independence.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.As it stands, the law prohibits the portrait of a living person being printed on US money; however, legislation has been introduced to change this.
“As treasury secretary, I have two mandates for US currency at present: that no living person can be on US currency, and the currency must say ‘In God we trust’,” Mr Bessent said.
“So, right now, there is proposed legislation in 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.
“At Treasury we prepare things in advance, so we have prepared in advance that if the legislation is passed, but we will stick to the law.”
A spokesperson from the US treasury told the BBC that they were “conducting appropriate planning and due diligence” in response to the legislation.
If introduced, Mr Trump would be the first living person to appear on US currency since 1866.
Mr Bessent defended the idea when pushed by reporters on Thursday afternoon, local time.
“I don’t think that there’s anything untoward about having the president of the United States, the person who was president of the United States on the 250th anniversary bill,” he said.
Top US House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries said he rejected the $250 note.
“Hard No on a Trump $250 bill,” he wrote on X.
“Get over yourself.
“The upcoming July 4th anniversary is not about a wannabe King.
“It’s about celebrating the American journey.”
The prototype for the note was designed by British artist Iain Alexander.
