ANI
29 May 2026, 07:28 GMT+10
Washington DC [US], May 29 (ANI): US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said that the department has been working on a mock-up design of a proposed USD 250 note that would feature President Donald Trump's portrait.
Speaking at the White House briefing, Bessent noted that any such change would require approval from Congress, as current law does not permit living individuals to be featured on US currency. Bessent added that there is proposed legislation in front of the House and Senate to make the necessary amendment.
'There are two mandates for US currency. At present, no living person can be on US currency, and the currency must stay in God we trust. So right now there is proposed legislation that is in front of the House and Senate to change the first requirement so that a living person, Donald Trump, could be on a $250 bill'
He further stated that officials within the Treasury Department had requested the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to prepare preliminary mock-ups of the new currency design.
'At Treasury, we prepared things in advance. So we have prepared in advance that if the legislation is passed, but we will stick to the law, he added.
The push to introduce a new $250 note featuring US President Donald Trump has triggered internal controversy within the US Treasury Department's Bureau of Engraving and Printing, coinciding with the abrupt reassignment of its former director Patricia Solimene, the New York Times reported.
In a note to staff, Solimene said her move to another part of the Treasury was not her choice. 'I have never sacrificed the values or character of myself or the organisation and always prioritised the U.S. Currency Program and the value each employee brings to the mission,' she wrote, adding, 'The buck stopped here,' before stepping down from her role.
The developments come amid reported plans to prepare a new currency design featuring Trump's portrait, a move that has already drawn scrutiny. The Washington Post had earlier reported both the proposed $250 note and Solimene's reassignment.
Trump has previously signalled interest in leaving a stronger imprint on US currency and the broader economy. Last year, designs were released for a commemorative coin bearing his image, a move that sparked criticism over potential legal concerns and traditions under a long-standing 1866 law that discourages depictions of living individuals on currency, the New York Times reported.
In March, Trump's handpicked arts commission approved a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring his likeness, depicting him with a stern expression and clenched fists, with an eagle on the reverse.
Separately, the Treasury Department had also announced that Trump would become the first sitting US president to have his signature appear on the US dollar alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, replacing the traditional signature of the US treasurer, the New York Times reported.
The proposals have reignited debate over currency design traditions, which typically take years to implement due to security and institutional considerations. A previous plan during Trump's first term to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill with Harriet Tubman was also delayed. (ANI)
Get a daily dose of Barbados Bulletin news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Barbados Bulletin.
More InformationSingapore, May 29 (ANI): India and the United States on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation...
The real threat to the EU is not China's overcapacity -- it is Europe's own lack of innovation and its closed markets. Rather than...
China's diplomatic engagements in May aimed at managing differences, navigating competition, and expanding cooperation with major countries...
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 29 (ANI): West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Friday said the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is 'heading...
Washington DC [US], May 29 (ANI): White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller said Iran...
Vassily Nebenzia said 51 civilians were killed by Ukrainian forces over the past week alone ...
(Photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images) A pair of top seeds advanced to the third round of the French Open with No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka...
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday announced their squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World...
Chandigarh [India], May 28 (ANI): Gujarat Titans (GT) assistant coach Parthiv Patel has lauded West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder...
PNN New Delhi [India], May 27: Relaxo Footwears Limited, India's largest footwear manufacturer, celebrated its 50th year by hosting...
VMPL New Delhi [India], May 27: Topnotch Foundation organized the Sardar Patel Unity Awards 2026 on 21st May 2026 at Hotel Shangri-La's...
PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 27: JAIN Online, the online education platform of JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) celebrated...
