Treasury Advances Plans for $250 Bill Featuring President Trump

Treasury officials are conducting planning work on a proposed $250 bill that would feature President Trump’s portrait, according to reporting from multiple outlets. The effort is tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence on July 4, 2026.

The statute has remained in place since a brief period when a Treasury official’s portrait appeared on a 5-cent note. Treasury officials said the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is performing “appropriate planning and due diligence” in case legislation authorizing the note is enacted.

A Treasury spokesperson stated that the agency would move to produce the note if Congress passes the required mandate. The spokesperson added that no staff had been directed to print the bill before any legislative action. Current and former employees told The Washington Post that creating a new high-value denomination normally requires six to eight years of work, a timeline that would extend past the 2026 anniversary.

Wilson, a South Carolina Republican, introduced the Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act in February 2025. The measure would amend the 1866 restriction and require production of the note within one year of enactment. The bill was referred to the House Financial Services Committee but has not received a hearing.

Wilson’s office said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and President Trump have discussed the proposal with the congressman on multiple occasions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that the matter rests with Congress. “Right now there is legislation before Congress to allow a living person—Donald J Trump—could be on a $250 bill,” Bessent said.

“So it’s all in the hands of Capitol Hill. Officials have described these projects as commemorative measures for the semiquincentennial. Without congressional action, the $250 note cannot be produced under current law.