Manny Ita-
The United States Treasury Department has announced that US paper currency will soon bear the signature of President Donald Trump, marking an unprecedented development that would make him the first sitting American president to have his signature appear on circulating dollar bills.
According to the announcement made on Thursday, the new currency design will feature both Trump’s signature and that of current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Traditionally, US dollar bills carry the signatures of the Treasurer of the United States and the Treasury Secretary, but the upcoming change represents a departure from longstanding practice.
A statement from Bessent described the development as part of a broader vision tied to economic policy and national milestones, saying, “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability.” He further added, “There is no more powerful way to recognise 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.”
The move is expected to coincide with the United States’ 250th anniversary, commonly referred to as the Semiquincentennial, and forms part of a series of commemorative initiatives linked to the milestone. In recent weeks, an advisory commission appointed by Trump also approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring his image.
The proposed coin design reportedly includes one side depicting Trump standing with clenched fists on a desk, while the reverse side features an eagle with wings spread. Although the coin is not intended to carry monetary value, similar commemorative items issued by the US Mint have historically been sold at premium prices.
The decision to incorporate Trump’s likeness into commemorative currency has drawn criticism from political opponents, who argue that it raises concerns about precedent and legal restrictions regarding depictions of living presidents on US currency. Despite such objections, the administration has continued to advance the initiative as part of broader celebratory plans marking the nation’s founding anniversary.
Officials indicate that the currency update and related commemorative releases are intended to highlight historical milestones while reflecting the administration’s interpretation of national achievements. The Treasury is expected to provide further details on the rollout timeline and circulation process for the redesigned bills in the coming months.
