Trump to become first sitting president with signature on US currency
President Donald Trump is eschewing tradition once again. He will soon to become the first sitting president whose signature will be featured on paper currency.
The U.S. Treasury Department made the announcement Thursday, saying it’s part of Trump’s broader celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
His name will appear alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the $100 bill starting in June, with other bills to be printed in the following months.
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach’s name will be removed from bills to fit Trump’s name. This will mark the first time in 165 years a treasurer’s name will not appear on paper money.
Beach still lauded the action in a statement, saying it is “not only appropriate, but also well deserved.”
Bessent said it is a “powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump.”
Democratic lawmakers, on the other hand, criticized the addition of Trump’s signature.
“This is gross and un-American,” Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, said on X. “But at least it will remind us who to thank when we pay more for gas, goods and groceries.”
Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I., asked: “And how exactly does this lower the cost of gas, healthcare, and groceries?”
First coins, now cash
This is also just the latest move to put Trump on money. Just last week, a federal arts panel unanimously approved a commemorative gold coin featuring Trump’s image.
The coin will be part of a series the U.S. Mint will produce to commemorate America’s 250th birthday celebrations. It will also be the first time a sitting, and even living, president will be featured on a coin.
Federal law bars living people from appearing on coins, but the Trump administration claims the Treasury Department has the authority in this case.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
