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“In response to active legislation sponsored by Representative Joe Wilson, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is conducting appropriate planning and due diligence,” a Treasury spokeswoman told The Post. “Should this legislative mandate be signed into law, the BEP is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the department’s preparations, saying: “You have to prepare in advance. You can’t draw something up the day before.
“I don’t think that there’s anything untoward about having the … person who is president of the United States on the 250th anniversary bill.”
Donald Trump on the $250 bill
According to the report, U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach and his senior adviser Mike Brown pushed for development of the proposed banknote. Beach reportedly provided staff with mock-up designs last year.
Patricia Solimene, then-director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, reportedly raised her concerns: “She had told them we’re not authorized to do this. We can’t progress any further, and all the stakeholders have not even met to discuss the next steps,” a source told the outlet. “Currency often takes six to eight years to produce a new bill, particularly one of such high value.”
This has sparked debate, with lawmakers on both sides introducing legislation related to the proposal. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) introduced legislation in April that would prohibit Trump’s signature from appearing on U.S. currency, according to the New York Post. Last year, several senators also proposed a bill aimed at preventing Trump’s likeness from being placed on a coin.
Meanwhile, some Republicans have backed efforts to feature the president on future currency. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) introduced legislation last year that would place Trump on the $100 bill in place of Benjamin Franklin, while Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) has advocated for Trump’s image to appear on a $250 note. So far, none of those proposals have gained significant support in either chamber of Congress.