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US paper currency will soon bear the signature of Donald Trump, the Treasury Department announced Thursday. This move would mark a first for a sitting American president and coincide with the country’s 250th anniversary.
Traditionally, signatures on dollar bills belong to the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury. However, the upcoming bills will feature those of Trump and 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. It is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial,” he added.
The move represents the latest effort by Trump to bypass longstanding tradition and put his mark on American currency.
Last week, an advisory commission hand-picked by Trump approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring his image, also intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the July 4, 1776 founding of the United States.
One side of the coin depicts a glaring Trump standing with fists placed firmly on a desk, while the other features an eagle perched with wings spread atop what appears to be a bell.
The coin carries no monetary value, and its sale price has not been disclosed. However, similar commemorative coins sold by the US Mint can cost more than $1,000.
Trump’s decision to feature himself on a coin—which contradicts federal law prohibiting living presidents from appearing on US currency—has drawn criticism from Democratic opponents.
Nonetheless, Trump has continued to pursue other controversial designs, including a $1 coin bearing his face, which would be temporarily added to circulating currency as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
