Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
May 29 , 2026
Washington, D.C. — The Department of the Treasury unveiled a proposal Thursday to introduce a new $250 bill bearing the portrait of President Donald Trump, citing what officials described as “changing economic realities” and the increasing role of higher-denomination currency in everyday transactions.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the proposal during a press briefing at the Treasury Building, where he said the measure was intended to modernize U.S. currency circulation amid persistent inflationary pressures.
“With the current rate of inflation, most Americans can expect to see one of these bills in their wallets within another year or two,” Bessent said. “This proposal reflects the practical needs of a modern economy.”
Under the draft proposal, the bill would feature an engraved portrait of Trump on the front and an image of the White House on the reverse side. Treasury officials said the note would include updated anti-counterfeiting technology similar to that used in recently redesigned $100 bills.
The proposal immediately sparked debate among lawmakers, economists, historians, and advocacy groups. Critics questioned both the symbolism and timing of placing a living political figure on circulating U.S. currency, while supporters argued the move recognized Trump’s influence on contemporary American politics and economics.
Federal law and long-standing Treasury policy have traditionally barred living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency. Treasury officials acknowledged the obstacle and but noted continued speculation about the President's state of health.
Representative Elaine Porter (D–Ore.) called the proposal “a political branding exercise disguised as monetary policy,” while Senator Mark Reynolds (R–Tex.) praised it as “an acknowledgment of a transformative presidency during a period of major economic change.”
Economic analysts noted that the United States has historically resisted introducing larger-denomination currency into broad circulation. The highest-value bill currently printed for public use is the $100 note, though larger denominations circulated in the past before being discontinued in 1969.
The Treasury Department stated that the proposal remains in the preliminary review phase and would require approval from Congress, the Federal Reserve, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing before production could begin.
No formal timeline for a vote has been announced.
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