Trump’s Potential $250 Bill Faces Hurdles
In Washington, there’s buzz that President Trump’s meme coin might soon have some competition. Key government figures are pushing the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a $250 bill showcasing Trump’s image, as reported by a major news outlet.
If the Treasury follows through, it would mark the first time since 1866 that a living person’s likeness appears on U.S. currency.
This proposed $250 bill is intended to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. However, a law from 1866, known as the Thayer Amendment, prohibits displaying the image of a living individual on U.S. currency or bonds.
Despite this, Treasury Secretary Brandon Beach and adviser Mike Brown are reportedly advocating for the new notes. Beach even shared mock-up designs featuring Trump at the center, along with the signatures of both himself and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
However, Patricia Solimane, director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, has raised concerns about the legal and procedural obstacles involved. She mentioned that the authority to proceed with the project has not been established, and there’s been no meeting to discuss future steps. Producing new banknotes, especially for uncommon denominations like $250, can take six to eight years, she asserted.
The White House and the Treasury Department have been approached for comments on this matter.
On April 27, Solimane was reportedly reassigned, indicating that it was not her decision to leave her role, as she expressed to her colleagues.
In addition to the Thayer Amendment, there are other legal restrictions on denominations, and the $250 bill doesn’t currently fit within those parameters.
On Capitol Hill, there’s growing speculation about whether Trump will eventually seek bills featuring his likeness. Some Democratic lawmakers have already introduced measures to block this. Congressman Jimmy Gomez enacted a law preventing Trump’s signature from appearing on dollar bills. Last year, several senators proposed legislation aimed at stopping Trump from having his face on a coin.
Meanwhile, freshman Rep. Brandon Gill introduced a bill last year that would replace Benjamin Franklin’s image on the $100 bill with Trump’s. Congressman Andy Barr has also pushed for Trump to grace the new $250 bill. So far, these proposals have struggled to gain traction in Congress.
