United States paper currency will soon carry the signature of President Donald Trump, the Treasury Department announced on Thursday, marking an unprecedented development for a sitting American president and aligning with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Traditionally, US dollar notes bear the signatures of the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury. However, the forthcoming notes will include the signatures of Trump and the current Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability,” Bessent said in a statement announcing the decision.
“There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial,” he added.
The decision represents the latest attempt by Trump to depart from established convention and leave a personal imprint on American currency.
Recently, an advisory commission selected by Trump approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring his image, also intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding on 4 July 1776.
One side of the coin depicts Trump standing with clenched fists on a desk, while the reverse shows an eagle with outstretched wings perched on what appears to be a bell.
The coin carries no official monetary value, and its price has not been disclosed, although comparable commemorative coins produced by the US Mint have sold for over $1,000.
The proposal to feature Trump’s likeness on a coin has drawn criticism from Democratic opponents, as it conflicts with federal law prohibiting the depiction of a living president on US currency.
Nevertheless, Trump has continued to pursue other contentious designs, including a proposal for a $1 coin bearing his image, which would be temporarily introduced into circulation to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary.