Sponsors (17)
The bill enables more flexible, contemporary choices for who may appear on U.S. currency—expanding recognition and collector appeal—but does so at modest fiscal cost and with a real risk of politicizing currency and undermining public trust.
Collectors and the general public could see more appealing, up‑to‑date currency designs (including use of contemporary, non‑presidential figures), which may boost public interest and numismatic sales.
The bill expands formal options to honor distinguished living Americans (artists, scientists, civic leaders) on official currency and securities, increasing recognition opportunities for those individuals and symbolic representation for communities.
All U.S. taxpayers and the Treasury could incur additional costs from designing, producing, and educating the public about new or redesigned currency (including a proposed $250 bill), which may be borne directly or indirectly by taxpayers.
Allowing contemporary or politically notable individuals on government‑issued currency could increase politicization and public controversy over selections and erode norms of political neutrality, potentially reducing public trust in currency and government institutions.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Requires the Treasury to print a new $250 Federal Reserve note with Donald J. Trump's portrait within one year and permits living non‑presidents on currency while excluding current/former Presidents.
Introduced February 27, 2025 by Joe Wilson · Last progress February 27, 2025
Requires the Treasury to produce a new $250 Federal Reserve note bearing a portrait of Donald J. Trump and orders printing to begin within one year of enactment. It also changes the law to allow living non-presidents to appear on U.S. currency while expressly continuing to bar current and former Presidents from appearing on currency and securities, creating a direct legal conflict with the requirement to depict a former President. Also includes a non‑binding statement urging that $250 bills be printed as a commemorative item for the U.S. semiquincentennial. The bill contains no appropriations, does not identify funding, and could prompt administrative, technical, and legal challenges if enacted.