The U.S. Treasury Department is exploring the possibility of issuing a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump. For this to occur, federal law must be amended.
Initially reported by the Washington Post, the bill’s development is in response to a proposal by Representative Joe Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the $250 bill at a White House press briefing, explaining current U.S. currency regulations prohibit a living individual from being featured and require the phrase ‘In God We Trust.’
Bessent stated, “Proposed legislation aims to change requirements enabling Donald J. Trump to appear on the $250 bill. We are prepared to act if the legislation passes, but we will adhere to existing law.”
The Treasury Secretary demonstrated a Washington Post article during a press briefing outlining the $250 bill prospects, while a Treasury official confirmed that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is proactively conducting planning in response to the bill.
The official stated, “If the legislative mandate becomes law, BEP plans to create a $250 commemorative note to honor the 250th anniversary of the nation.”
Federal law mandates that only deceased individuals may appear on U.S. currency. Wilson’s proposal seeks to amend the Federal Reserve Act such that $250 bills showcase Trump’s portrait. Though the “Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act” was introduced in February 2025, it remains mired in the House Committee on Financial Services without further actions.
Over the past year, Trump aimed to feature his name or image on more currency forms. The Treasury announced in March of future currency bearing Trump’s signature and in October, work on a $1 coin displaying Trump’s image in recognition of July 4, Independence Day.
Questions arose about the bill’s design, with the Treasury referring inquiries to Wilson’s legislation. An AI-designed mock-up shared on Wilson’s website showed Trump’s portrait on the left-hand side of a $250 note. Another version appeared in the Washington Post article, noting this image as a mockup supplied by White House officials for BEP staff. The depiction presents a bill printed in green ink shades, similar to current notes, with Trump’s centered image.
The Bureau narrates new currency designs’ lengthy development process, often taking years, with public release limited to six or eight months before circulation to prevent counterfeiting.
The official emphasized circulating ‘designs’ or ‘mockups’ are unreal.
The potential $250 bill would join other currency designs to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. In December 2025, the Treasury unveiled new nickel, dime, quarter, and half-dollar designs for coins set for circulation in 2026.
The U.S. Mint stated these coins’ designs reflect America’s journey to a “more perfect union” and its core ideals of liberty.