US Treasury pushes for $250 bill featuring Trump, sparking debate over currency law

US Treasury officials are actively pursuing the creation of a $250 banknote bearing the image of former President Donald Trump. The push comes from Treasury Under Secretary Brandon Beach and his senior advisor Mike Brown, who have urged the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to prepare prototypes for the bill. This initiative has raised concerns among BEP staff, as federal law has historically prohibited living individuals from appearing on US currency since 1866.

While a bill to feature Trump on a $250 note to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary was introduced in Congress last year, it has not yet been passed. A Treasury spokesperson confirmed that steps are being taken to prepare for the bill's potential creation, contingent on legislative approval. "If this legislative mandate is enacted, the BEP is acting proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note that will properly recognize our great nation's 250th anniversary," the spokesperson stated.

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If this legislative mandate is enacted, the BEP is acting proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note that will properly recognize our great nation's 250th anniversary.

As part of the effort, Beach provided preliminary designs in August and September, including one that places Trump's face on the $250 bill. The artist who reportedly designed a mockup, British painter Iain Alexander, claimed to have spoken with Trump, who allegedly approved changes to the original design, such as incorporating American flag colors and a 250th-anniversary logo. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also presented a sketch of the design at a press conference.

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He likes to call me his favorite British artist.