Trump Could Become the First Living President on U.S. Currency Since 1866-Here's What's Standing in the Way
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, a lot is being done to mark the milestone. And while some of that includes fireworks, new merchandise, and massive concerts, the latest news out of the Trump administration points to a surprising development: a new piece of currency.
The U.S. Treasury Department has released a draft of a new $250 bill featuring Donald Trump's face, making it the first time a living president has graced a piece of our country's currency since 1866. However, some say it's unlikely to happen, citing an old law that could prevent this bill from seeing the light of day.
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Will Donald Trump be on the $250 Bill
According to USA Today, the Treasury Department has a mock-up designed for the new bill, which features the president's portrait. According to a Treasury representative, the department is "conducting appropriate planning and due diligence" in order to mint the bill.
However, there's a major hurdle to hop over before that can happen, and it involves getting approval from Congress, because federal law says that only a "deceased individual" may be featured on U.S. currency and securities. This rule dates back to 1866, after USA Today says that then-Superintendent of the National Currency Bureau Spencer Clark put his own image on U.S. currency.
As of the time of publication, the bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, hasn't made much progress.
Who Designed the Proposed $250 Bill?
The image of the president was created by a British painter named Iain Alexander, and Trump has signed off on the designs, according to The Washington Post. In addition to the president's portrait, the mockup of the bill also features Trump's signature as well as that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Bessent himself seems to be a fan of the idea of the bill, saying "I don't think that there's anything untoward about having the person who is president of United States on the 250th anniversary bill", during a press conference. However, USA Today notes that, given the procedures and protocols involved in printing new money, it doesn't seem likely the commemorative bill would enter production this year.
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Trump May Appear on a Coin
While the fate of the $250 bill remains in the air, a federal commission voted in March to approve a commemorative coin featuring the president's image. NBC News says that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design, which features Trump and the years 2026 and 1776.
"As we approach our 250th birthday, we are thrilled to prepare coins that represent the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, and there is no profile more emblematic for the front of such coins than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump," U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement at the time.
But, while the coin has received approval, it may face the same fate as the bill, as Newsweek reports that the coin is unlikely to be put into production prior to the July 4th holiday.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 5:30 PM.