Trump Administration Plans New $250 Note, Facing US Law and Senatorial Criticism
The US Treasury Department is undertaking "appropriate planning and due diligence" for a new $250 note, in response to proposed legislation that could allow President Donald Trump's likeness to appear on the currency.
Current federal law explicitly forbids the depiction of living individuals on US money. However, Republican lawmakers, including Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina, introduced legislation last year to create an exception for a $250 commemorative note, coinciding with the country's 250th anniversary this year.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the department's preparatory work, stating that the matter rests with Congress and that the Treasury would adhere to the law. He indicated no issue with featuring the incumbent president on a commemorative bill for the anniversary.
Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, criticised the administration's focus, stating, "As Americans struggle with the rising cost of gas, groceries, housing, and health care, President Trump's priorities for taxpayer dollars are completely detached from the challenges families face every day." Warner added, "If this White House put even half as much energy into working to lower costs as it does into stoking the president's ego, American families wouldn't need that new $250 bill just to fill up their gas tanks."
Beyond the living person prohibition, the proposed $250 denomination would also contravene a federal law specifying permissible currency values, which does not include a $250 note. This initiative follows other attempts by Trump and his allies to inscribe his image and name onto national institutions, including the renaming of the Kennedy Center and changes to Air Force One's livery.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) typically requires six to eight months for public education on new note designs before release to prevent counterfeiting and market confusion. It remains uncertain if any new notes could be produced in time for the 4th July anniversary.
