WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cheered on plans to imprint President Trump’s face on a $250 greenback, contending that his achievements make him worthy of such an honor.
Bessent argued that it was necessary for his department to craft a $250 bill with Trump’s face and signature on it so that the Treasury can be ready if pending legislation to that effect clears Congress.
“I think it’s fitting. President Trump is the president during our 250th anniversary,” Bessent told Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”
“Calvin Coolidge was president during the 150th anniversary. And there was a coin printed for him.”
“And I think it’s a great celebratory note for a great president.”
Last week, the Washington Post reported on how administration officials pushed the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing to mock up a banknote with Trump’s face on it.
The 1866 Thayer Amendment bars Uncle Sam from putting the likeness of a living person on official American currency, bonds, or other financial notes.
There is also another law restricting the government to specific denominations, including $100, $500, $1,000, and $5,000. But $250 isn’t on that list.
Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) has championed legislation for the president’s face to appear on a $250 bill.
“We have sketched out what it would look like because we have to prepare way in advance,” Bessent explained. “And if the legislation passes, then we will do it. If it doesn’t, we won’t.”
Last week, while Bessent was filling in for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave, he argued that nothing was “untoward” about what the Treasury Department was doing and saod that it was a non-story.
Multiple Democrats have proposed bills to restrict Trump from getting his likeness on American currency. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) also unveiled legislation in April to block Trump’s signature from appearing on the greenback.
