The Trump administration is pushing hard to create a $250 banknote featuring President Trump’s portrait. Federal law currently mandates that only deceased individuals can be depicted on American bills, but administration officials are actively working to bypass these traditional boundaries for the nation’s 250th anniversary. Per the Washington Post, if they succeed, this would mark the first time a living person appears on US currency in over 150 years.
Starting last year, two political appointees at the Treasury Department, U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach and his senior adviser, Mike Brown, began repeatedly urging staff at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to create prototypes for this new note. These efforts included providing bureau staff with mock-up designs in August and September. However, staff from the department had concerns regarding both legal and procedural requirements.
Patricia Solimene, who served as the director of the printing bureau, and other staff members repeatedly explained to Beach and Brown that the project faces significant obstacles, the biggest of which is time. Abruptly, on April 27th, Solimene was reassigned from her position. In a final email to colleagues, she noted that her departure was not her choice and stated, “The buck stopped here.”
Honestly, the BEP has valid reasons for why it won’t work
One of these mock-ups sent by Brandon and Beach, features Trump’s face placed prominently in the center of the $250 bill. The portrait itself is positioned between the signatures of the president and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The artist behind the design, British painter Iain Alexander, confirmed that he spoke directly with Trump about the project. According to Alexander, the president even requested specific changes, such as incorporating American flag colors and a logo honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. Alexander, who describes himself as the royal portrait artist of Queen Elizabeth II even stated that Trump “likes to call me his favorite British artist.”
Even with this pre-made design, the staff was clear. This project just isn’t possible within the stated time frame. As one employee noted, ““[Solimene] had told them we’re not authorized to do this. We can’t progress any further, and all the stakeholders have not even met to discuss the next steps. Currency often takes six to eight years to produce a new bill, particularly one of such high value.” Despite that, the officials remained dismissive.
The Treasury Department has stated that the printing office “is conducting appropriate planning and due diligence.” The spokesperson also mentioned that if the proposed legislative mandate is signed into law, the BEP is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation.” Interestingly, after Solimene’s reassignation, Beach’s senior advisor was named acting director of the BEP.
Beyond the $250 note, the administration is already moving forward with another historic change to U.S. currency. According to the BBC, it has been announced that Trump’s signature will appear on $100 bills alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This makes Trump the first sitting president to have his signature on American banknotes. The act also triggered criticisms, comparing the act as that of a monarch.
The administration frames this as a powerful way to recognize historic achievements, but it marks a departure from the long-standing tradition where banknotes carry the signatures of treasury officials rather than the sitting president. This follows a pattern of administration efforts to associate the president’s name with government programs and public buildings. The anniversary will also feature Trump’s portrait and signature on special edition passports.
Legal experts and former officials emphasize that a $250 note remains statutorily unauthorized without an act of Congress. Larry R. Felix, a former director of the bureau, pointed out that “the [Treasury] secretary has to be given authority to do that.” While legislation was introduced last year to commemorate the 250th anniversary, it has languished in committee.
Per the BBC, the administration’s broader efforts to mark the 250th anniversary also include the approval of a 24-karat gold coin bearing the image of the president, which depicts him with his fists pressed against a desk. This coin is being issued under the Treasury Secretary’s authority to mint and issue proof gold coins.
Despite the various complexities and traditions around currency, it seems like the administration is keen to pursue these designs and have it completed in the next few month. However, it would be interesting to see how they will accomplish this considering the usual technical coordination typically required to ensure such notes are reliable for public use.
Published: May 29, 2026 08:23 am