Treasury officials are weighing a proposal for a commemorative $250 banknote featuring President Donald Trump's portrait, The Washington Post reported on May 28. The proposal is tied to the America250 campaign marking the country's 250th anniversary. The move represents an expansion of Trump-linked federal branding across government projects, including redesigned U.S. passports, commemorative gold coins, and national park passes. Administration officials framed the effort as part of America250 celebrations, while opponents argue it breaks long-standing norms around placing living presidents on state-issued symbols and currency.
Trump's Image Spreads Across Passports, Coins and Federal Branding Push
The Trump administration has tied multiple America250 projects to the president's image and branding. Plans announced or discussed include redesigned U.S. passports, future dollar bills carrying Trump's signature, commemorative gold coins, national park passes featuring Trump alongside George Washington, and proposals for Trump-themed statues and $1 coins.
On Oct. 7, 2025, the Treasury Department said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would issue commemorative coinage "reflecting @POTUS and his vision for America" under authorities granted through the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. "There is no profile more emblematic for the front of this coin than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump," Treasury wrote in a post.
Administration officials have framed the effort as part of the broader America250 celebration, while opponents say it blurs the line between patriotic commemoration and political branding.
Treasury Officials Reportedly Push New $250 Trump Bill Proposal
The Washington Post reported on May 28 that Treasury officials have discussed introducing a commemorative $250 banknote featuring Trump's portrait. According to the report, administration officials provided Bureau of Engraving and Printing staff with a mock-up featuring Trump's portrait, his signature and the phrase "250 AMERICA."
The report also identified U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach as being involved in discussions surrounding the proposal. Current and former employees told the Post that Treasury officials have pushed the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to move forward despite longstanding legal and historical barriers.
Federal law traditionally prohibits living people from appearing on U.S. currency, with the restriction dating back to 1866. Former officials also reportedly warned that designing and circulating a new banknote typically takes between six and eight years.
The Post said internal disagreements over the proposal contributed to the reassignment of Bureau of Engraving and Printing director Patty Solimene last month. In a farewell message reviewed by the newspaper, Solimene reportedly wrote: "The buck stopped here."
Treasury has publicly said it is only conducting "planning and due diligence," while Congress would likely need to authorize any new denomination.
Democrats Move to Block Trump Passport and Currency Plans
Democratic lawmakers have begun pushing back against the administration's broader America250 branding efforts. Senator Jeff Merkley is leading a group of Democrats urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to halt plans for redesigned Trump-linked passports, arguing the changes carry "anti-democratic" symbolism and raise concerns over taxpayer costs and opt-out rights.
Other Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at blocking Trump from appearing on future U.S. coins, park passes and currency. Critics argue the United States has historically avoided placing sitting presidents on official identity documents or money to prevent the appearance of personality cult politics.
The administration has countered that the proposals are temporary America250 commemorations rather than permanent redesigns of federal symbols.
