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Washington DC, US, March 27: In a historic move marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, the US Department of the Treasury has announced that President Donald J. Trump’s signature will appear on future paper currency, alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This is the first instance in American history where the signature of a sitting president will be printed on US banknotes.
The Treasury’s official statement noted that the decision was taken to commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial and to honour what it described as the “historic achievements” under the current administration.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the initiative symbolises a period of economic revival and national strength.“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability,” Bessent stated. “There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than U.S. dollar bills bearing his name.”
US Treasurer Brandon Beach echoed this sentiment, calling the decision both “appropriate and well deserved.”“As the 250th anniversary of our great nation approaches, American currency will continue to stand as a symbol of prosperity, strength, and the unshakable spirit of the American people under President Trump’s leadership,” Beach said.
The development follows earlier commemorative proposals linked to the Semiquincentennial celebrations. Last October, Treasurer Beach unveiled draft designs for a one-dollar coin featuring Trump, carrying the word Liberty on one side and the phrase Fight, Fight, Fight on the other.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that the Commission of Fine Arts — appointed by President Trump — has approved a large commemorative gold coin depicting the president standing with clenched fists on a desk. The commission is also reviewing a proposed USD 1 coin bearing Trump’s image.
However, the proposals have stirred legal debate. Under existing US law, a living or sitting president cannot be portrayed on circulating currency. A president may only appear on a coin at least two years after their death. The restriction does not apply to commemorative coins, although such a move has been rare; the last instance occurred in 1926 with then-President Calvin Coolidge.
In response, Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation seeking to prohibit the depiction of any living or sitting president on US currency.
The Treasury has not yet announced when the redesigned bills will enter circulation.
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