The US Treasury Department has announced that Donald Trump is set to become the first sitting president to have his signature appear on American banknotes. Trump's signature will feature alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on new dollar bills, a move the department purportedly claims will mark the nation's 250th anniversary. This unprecedented step breaks with longstanding tradition, where only treasury officials' signatures have historically been used.
In a statement, Bessent said, "There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name." Traditionally, US currency has carried the signatures of treasury personnel, but the Trump administration's plans would end the practice dating back to 1861 of featuring the US Treasurer's signature.
The first $100 bills with the signatures of Trump and Bessent are allegedly scheduled for printing in June. Currently circulating notes bear the signatures of former President Joe Biden's Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, and Treasurer Lynn Malerba. This change is part of a broader pattern by the administration to associate Trump's name with various government initiatives, raising questions about the politicization of national symbols.
The Democratic governor of California and long-time Trump critic, Gavin Newsom, responded to the announcement by attacking the president's economic record. He posted on social media, "Now Americans will know exactly who to blame as they're paying more for groceries, gas, rent, and health care." This criticism highlights the deep political divisions within the US regime, as the move comes amid ongoing economic challenges and inflationary pressures.
This development follows other efforts to link Trump's name to official commemorations. Earlier this month, a federal arts commission approved a commemorative 24-karat gold coin bearing Trump's image, also supposedly to celebrate America's 250th birthday. During his first term, Trump's name appeared on paper stimulus checks sent to millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, further embedding his personal brand into government operations.
Source: www.bbc.com