US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced preparations to print a new $250 banknote featuring President Donald Trump’s portrait, pending legislative approval to amend a law barring living individuals from appearing on currency.

Current US law prohibits any living person from being depicted on federal currency, but a bill introduced last year seeks to create an exception for current and former presidents. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Bessent confirmed a design has been prepared in anticipation of the legal change.

“Right now, there is proposed legislation – front of the House, in front of the Senate – to change the first requirement so that a living person, Donald J Trump, could be on a $250 bill,” Bessent said.

The Washington Post reported that Treasurer Brandon Beach, a Trump appointee, has been pushing the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to expedite the process for the new note to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A design mock-up obtained by the Post shows the words “America 250 anniversary.”

The move is the latest example of Trump expanding his personal brand in an official capacity since returning to the White House in 2025. Banners with his portrait have been hung on the Department of Justice and other federal buildings, and his appointees to the Kennedy Center board added his name to the national performing arts facility.

Critics have likened the initiative to the behavior of dictators and monarchs. In March, the US Commission of Fine Arts approved a commemorative gold coin bearing Trump’s image, which also drew backlash.

Source: www.aljazeera.com