The United States government has announced plans to introduce new paper currency bearing the signature of President Donald Trump, marking a historic departure from long-standing tradition.
The Treasury Department disclosed the decision on Thursday, noting that the move will coincide with the country’s 250th anniversary. Traditionally, US dollar bills carry the signatures of the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury. However, the new bills will feature the signatures of Trump and the current Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability,” Bessent said in a statement announcing the decision.
“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, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial,” he added.
The decision marks another step by Trump to reshape established norms and imprint his legacy on US currency.
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In a related development, an advisory commission selected by the president recently approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring Trump’s image. The coin is also intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding on July 4, 1776.
The design shows Trump standing with clenched fists on a desk on one side, while the reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings perched on what appears to be a bell. Although the coin has no monetary value, its sale price has not been announced. Similar commemorative coins produced by the US Mint have sold for over $1,000.
The proposal to feature Trump’s image on a coin has drawn criticism from Democratic opponents, who argue that it violates federal law prohibiting living presidents from appearing on US currency.
Despite the backlash, Trump has continued to pursue other controversial currency designs, including a proposal for a $1 coin bearing his face to be temporarily introduced into circulation as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
AFP