Treasury Department Proposes Commemorative $250 Bill Featuring Trump Portrait

President Donald Trump may soon become the face of a brand-new $250 bill as Treasury officials reportedly push forward with plans tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.

According to a report from The Washington Post, Treasury Department officials have been encouraging the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to prepare designs for a commemorative $250 note featuring Trump’s portrait — a move that would mark the first time in more than 150 years that a living American appeared on U.S. currency.

The effort is reportedly being led by U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach and senior Treasury adviser Mike Brown, who have asked bureau staff to begin early planning and prototype development while Congress considers legislation authorizing the bill.

One mock-up reviewed by The Washington Post featured Trump prominently centered on the note alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s signature.

The artist behind the design, British painter Iain Alexander, said Trump personally reviewed and approved revisions to the artwork.

“He likes to call me his favorite British artist,” Alexander told The Post.

Breaking news: Trump administration officials have pressed the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a $250 bill featuring the president’s portrait, in what would be the first appearance of a living person on U.S. currency in more than 150 years. https://t.co/S8sqdKSB7i

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) May 28, 2026

Alexander said Trump requested patriotic additions to the design, including American flag colors and branding tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Supporters say the proposal would honor Trump’s role in reshaping American politics and celebrating the country’s historic milestone. The administration is already planning a sweeping America 250 celebration, including monuments, public events, and commemorative projects nationwide.

A Treasury spokesperson confirmed to The Post that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is “conducting appropriate planning and due diligence” related to the proposal.

“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,” the statement said.

Critics inside the bureau reportedly raised concerns about legal hurdles and production timelines, pointing to longstanding laws limiting U.S. currency portraits to deceased individuals. But administration officials appear determined to move the idea forward if Congress authorizes the change.

Former Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director Larry Felix told The Post that congressional approval would be required before the note could officially move into production.

Meanwhile, another historic change is already underway.

According to the report, the Treasury Department has approved the printing of $100 bills featuring Trump’s signature — the first time a sitting president’s signature will appear on U.S. paper currency.

“Based on the recommendation of U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, Secretary Bessent will recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Trump by adding his signature to the currency,” Treasury officials said in a statement.

The proposed $250 note arrives as the Trump administration ramps up preparations for America’s semiquincentennial celebration beginning later this year. Trump has also proposed a massive “Garden of Heroes” in Washington and other patriotic projects meant to commemorate the nation’s founding.

While the legislation authorizing the bill has not yet passed Congress, the proposal is already generating national attention — and supporters say it would be a fitting tribute to a president they view as one of the most consequential figures in modern American history.

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This article originally appeared on Great America News Desk. It is republished with permission.