The US government is preparing to issue a $250 banknote bearing Donald Trump's face, as allies of the former president in Congress push to override a long-standing federal law that prohibits living people from appearing on American currency.
The move, reported by the BBC, would mark a dramatic break with tradition. Current US law bars the depiction of any living person on banknotes or coins, a rule that has been in place for decades. However, Trump supporters in the House and Senate are now drafting legislation to create a specific exception, allowing the $250 note to feature the 45th president while he is still alive.
“US allies of Donald Trump in Congress are pushing to print a $250 note bearing his face, breaking a law that bans living people on currency.”
If successful, the note would be the first new denomination introduced in the US since the $100 bill was redesigned in 2013, and the first to feature a living individual. The decision has reignited debate about the politicisation of currency and the role of tradition in American monetary design.
Although the proposal is at an early stage, it is being pushed by prominent Trump allies who argue that the former president's impact on the US economy and global standing merits such an honour. Critics, however, say it would set a dangerous precedent and diminish the non-partisan nature of the nation's currency.
The $250 note itself would be a new addition to US banknotes, which currently come in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. The choice of $250 – rather than a more conventional figure – is seen by analysts as a reflection of the Trump camp's desire to create a distinctive and attention-grabbing bill.
For British readers, the development offers a contrast with the UK's own currency traditions. British banknotes have long featured monarchs and historical figures, but never a living politician. The current series of Bank of England notes carries the image of Queen Elizabeth II (now King Charles III on newer issues), alongside figures such as Jane Austen and Alan Turing. A similar proposal in the UK would almost certainly face constitutional hurdles.
The impact on the wider global financial system is likely to be minimal, but the move could affect collectors and currency enthusiasts. If the note is printed, it may become a sought-after item for memorabilia collectors, particularly given its political significance.
As the legislation progresses, Trump's allies are expected to face significant opposition from Democrats and some Republicans who view the proposal as an unnecessary politicisation of the nation's currency. The bill would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by President Joe Biden – who would almost certainly veto it – to become law. Given the current political climate, the chances of the $250 Trump note entering circulation in the near future appear slim.
For UK homeowners, renters, workers, pensioners, families and students, the direct impact is negligible. However, those who travel to the US or collect foreign currency may encounter the note in years to come. More broadly, the proposal reflects the increasingly partisan nature of American political culture, with implications for the special relationship between the UK and US. Should the note materialise, it could become a talking point during state visits and diplomatic exchanges.