WASHINGTON, United States — Donald Trump is set to become the first sitting United States president to have his signature appear on paper currency, according to a report outlining a redesign of federal banknotes tied to the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The new notes, expected to begin production in June 2026, will feature the signature of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent alongside that of Mr Trump.
The first redesigned $100 bills are scheduled to be printed this summer and could enter circulation several weeks later.
Treasurer’s Signature to Be Removed
Under the plan, the long-standing practice of including the signature of the United States treasurer will end.
The change would mark the first time in 165 years that the treasurer’s name does not appear on U.S. paper currency.
The outgoing treasurer, Lynn Malerba, will be the last in a line of officials whose signatures have appeared on federal notes since 1861, when the government first began issuing paper money.
Treasury officials said that while signatures will change, the overall design of the notes will remain largely unchanged, apart from replacing the treasurer’s signature with that of the president.
Anniversary and Policy Context
The redesign is being introduced as part of preparations for the United States’ semiquincentennial, commemorating 250 years since independence.
Mr Bessent said the move reflects the period, citing economic performance during Mr Trump’s second term.
“There is no more powerful way to recognise the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than U.S. dollar bills bearing his name, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial,” he said.
Legal Framework and Limitations
Federal law grants the Treasury authority to modify the design of currency for security purposes, including measures to prevent counterfeiting.
However, certain elements must remain unchanged, including the phrase “In God We Trust,” and portraits on U.S. notes must continue to depict deceased individuals.
An earlier proposal to issue a circulating $1 coin featuring Mr Trump’s likeness was constrained by laws prohibiting the depiction of living persons on U.S. coinage.
Reactions and Broader Efforts
The change forms part of broader efforts by the administration and its allies to incorporate Mr Trump’s name and image into public institutions and commemorative items.
A federal arts panel recently approved a design for a gold coin bearing his image.
Former treasurer Jovita Carranza, who served during Mr Trump’s first term, described the move as “a powerful symbol of American resilience, the enduring strength of free enterprise and the promise of continued greatness.”
The current treasurer, Brandon Beach, whose signature will not appear on the redesigned notes, also expressed support, describing Mr Trump as the architect of a “golden age economic revival.”
Ms Malerba declined to comment on the decision.
