US4 min(s) read
Published 16:12 28 May 2026 GMT
Trump administration officials have reportedly been pushing for a new $250 banknote featuring President Donald Trump’s portrait, according to a report from The Washington Post.
The proposal, which would mark the first time a living person has appeared on U.S. currency in more than 150 years, was allegedly pushed by Treasury Department political appointees Brandon Beach and Mike Brown. Current and former employees at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing told the outlet the pair repeatedly urged staff to create prototypes of the bill despite legal concerns surrounding the idea.
Mock-up designs of the proposed note were reportedly handed to bureau staff in August and September last year. One design featured Trump’s portrait centered on the bill alongside the signatures of the president and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The artwork was created by British painter Iain Alexander, who claimed Trump personally approved changes to the design.
“He likes to call me his favorite British artist,” Alexander said.
According to The Washington Post, bureau director Patricia “Patty” Solimene and other staff repeatedly informed Treasury officials that current laws only allow deceased individuals to appear on U.S. currency.
Employees also reportedly warned that producing a new denomination would take years because of the extensive coordination required with the Federal Reserve, Secret Service, and private sector partners.
“She had told them we’re not authorized to do this. We can’t progress any further, and all the stakeholders have not even met to discuss the next steps,” one employee told the paper. “Currency often takes six to eight years to produce a new bill, particularly one of such high value.”
Former Bureau of Engraving and Printing director Larry R. Felix also questioned the legality of the proposal.
“a $250 note is not statutorily authorized” without an act of Congress, Felix said.
“The secretary has to be given authority to do that,” he added.
The Treasury Department denied claims that officials requested the bill be printed before legislation passed, saying in a statement that the agency “is conducting appropriate planning and due diligence” regarding the proposal.
“Should this legislative mandate be signed into law, the BEP is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation,” the statement said.
The report also stated that Solimene was abruptly reassigned from her position in April.
In a farewell email obtained by The Washington Post, she reportedly described leaving with a “heavy heart” and said the reassignment was “not my choice.”
She also wrote: “never sacrificed the values or character of myself or the organization and always prioritized the U.S. Currency Program and the value each employee brings to the mission.”
“The buck stopped here,” she added.
Brown, who previously served as a senior adviser to Beach, has since become the bureau’s acting director, according to the report.
Employees also claimed the bureau had agreed to another Trump administration request involving $100 bills carrying Trump’s signature. Those notes are reportedly already being printed in Washington.
“Based on the recommendation of U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, Secretary Bessent will recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Trump by adding his signature to the currency,” the Treasury statement said.
Alexander said Trump approved several adjustments to the artwork, including adding the colors of the American flag and a logo commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
For the reverse side of the note, Alexander said he proposed a “women’s liberation” theme featuring Betsy Ross.
“He absolutely loved it,” Alexander said.
The proposed bill reportedly ties into broader plans for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Trump has previously proposed a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery and a “Garden of Heroes” featuring 250 statues in Washington.
Legislation introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson in February 2025 would direct the Treasury secretary “to print $250 Federal reserve notes featuring a portrait of Donald Trump.” The bill has not yet received a hearing.
Wilson’s office told The Washington Post that both Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had expressed support for the proposal.
“We can also confirm that both Treasury Secretary Bessent and President Trump have spoken with Rep. Wilson about their support for this on multiple occasions,” the statement said.
Alexander also revealed he is working on a larger project connected to the America 250 celebrations, though he said communication with Trump has slowed recently because of international tensions.
“You can appreciate all he’s got on his plate at the moment,” Alexander said.
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