Washington: US President Donald Trump’s signature is set to feature on US paper currency soon, a first for a sitting president since the introduction of dollar bills in 1861.
The decision, taken by the US Treasury, coincides with the 250th anniversary celebrations of American Independence this year.
“In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, President Donald J Trump’s signature alongside (Treasury) Secretary Scott Bessent’s will soon appear on US currency, marking a first in history, and symbolizes @POTUS’ leadership and dedication to our great nation will carry a lasting impact,” US Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a post on X.
The Treasury said in a statement to Reuters that the first $100 bills with Trump’s signature and that of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be printed in June, followed by other bills in subsequent months.
The Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing is currently still producing notes bearing the signatures of former President Joe Biden’s Treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, and Treasurer Lynn Malerba.
Malerba will be the last of an unbroken line of Treasurers whose signatures had appeared on U.S. federal currency since 1861, when it was first issued by the U.S. government.
The signature change is the latest effort by the Trump administration and its allies to put the president’s name on buildings, institutions, government programs, battleships, and coins. The design of a commemorative gold coin with Trump’s image was approved by a federal arts panel whose members he appointed.
Bessent said in a statement that the move was appropriate for the U.S. 250th anniversary, given strong U.S. economic growth, financial stability and “lasting dollar dominance” during Trump’s second term.
“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, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial,” Bessent said.
An effort to circulate a circulating $1 Trump coin was set back by laws prohibiting the depiction of living individuals on U.S. coins.
A statute governing the printing of Federal Reserve notes gives the Treasury broad discretion to change designs to guard against counterfeiting. The law requires keeping certain elements, including the words “In God We Trust,” and only allows portraits of deceased individuals.
The overall designs of bills will not change, except for Trump’s signature replacing the Treasurer’s, Treasury officials said.
