The United States Department of the Treasury announced on Thursday that President Donald Trump will become the first sitting U.S. president to have his signature appear on U.S. banknotes.
The signatures would appear alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a move tied to America’s 250th anniversary.
“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,” Bessent said, stressing the symbolic significance of the step.
Traditionally, only the signatures of treasury officials have appeared on banknotes, making this a historic departure from convention.
According to the Treasury, the first $100 bills featuring both Trump’s and Bessent’s signatures will be printed in June, with other denominations to follow.
Current notes in circulation still carry the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Treasurer Lynn Malerba from the administration of former President Joe Biden.
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach added, “The nation’s currency will continue to stand as a symbol of prosperity, strength, and the unshakable spirit of the American people.”
The announcement coincided with the country marking 250 years since the original 13 colonies declared independence from Britain.
The move followed other commemorative initiatives, including the approval earlier this month of a 24-karat gold coin bearing Trump’s image for the anniversary celebrations.
The decision has also drawn political reactions. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and vocal critic of Trump, said:“Now Americans will know exactly who to blame as they’re paying more for groceries, gas, rent, and health care.”
The new arrangement altered a longstanding tradition dating back to 1861, when the U.S. began placing the treasurer’s signature on banknotes, a convention now expanded to include a sitting president.
