By Ayo Kehinde
Senior officials appointed under President Donald Trump have reportedly pushed the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to begin preliminary designs for a proposed $250 banknote carrying Trump’s portrait, a move that could mark the first time in more than 150 years that a living American appears on U.S. currency.
According to multiple current and former agency employees, Trump allies within the Treasury Department have privately encouraged BEP staff to explore the idea ahead of America’s 250th Independence anniversary celebrations. The proposal has stirred debate within the agency because federal law currently permits only deceased individuals to appear on U.S. banknotes.
The renewed attention follows a January appearance by Republican Congressman Andy Barr of Kentucky, who posed publicly with a large mock-up of the proposed $250 note alongside U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach. The design, created by British artist Iain Alexander, reportedly received Trump’s personal approval.
Sources familiar with internal discussions said some career officials resisted the proposal, arguing that the agency lacks legal authority to move forward without congressional approval. Former BEP Director Larry R. Felix also noted that introducing a new denomination and placing a living president on currency would require an act of Congress and authorisation from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Despite the legal hurdles, supporters of the proposal say the commemorative note is intended to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. A Treasury spokesperson said the agency would be prepared to proceed if legislation is eventually signed into law.
The controversy has also coincided with separate discussions surrounding commemorative gold coins bearing Trump’s likeness, though officials reportedly doubt those plans can be completed before the 2026 anniversary celebrations.
Meanwhile, legislation introduced in February 2025 by South Carolina Republican Congressman, Joe Wilson, seeking to authorise Trump’s appearance on a $250 bill, remains stalled before the House Financial Services Committee.
