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By Peter Aitken
Politics Weekend Editor
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President Donald Trump's signature will appear on U.S. paper currency to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, marking a departure from historic norms which see the Treasurer's signature on paper money. Vanity Fair first reported on the news.
The change marks the first time in 165 years that sitting president's name will appear on currency, with the first $100 bills bearing his signature to print in June, followed by other bills over subsequent months.
Newsweek reached out to the Treasury by email on Thursday for comment.
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Why It Matters
The Trump administration has carried out a broad push to add his name to prominent federal institutions and cultural landmarks as part of celebrating the 250th anniversary of America, including efforts to rename the John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, announcing a new "Trump" class of warship, and the commission of a 24-karat gold coin bearing Trump's likeness, which was approved in March 2026 to be produced ahead of July 4, 2026.
Trump has also suggested renaming major transit hubs, such as Penn Station in New York City or Washington Dulles International Airport, after himself, even going so far as to threaten the funding for the multibillion-dollar Gateway rail tunnel project to pressure the issue.
These measures are in addition to events that Trump has lined up for the 250th-anniversary celebration, including a national tour for the Declaration of Independence, military parades, and sporting events, such as a UFC tournament on the White House lawn.
What To Know
U.S. Treasurer Scott Bessent said in a statement that the move was appropriate due to the anniversary and the president's economic achievements.
"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.
The Treasury had previously discussed creating a Trump $1 coin, but laws prohibiting the depiction of living individuals on U.S. coins knocked back that effort, while a statute on the printing of Federal Reserve notes gives the Treasury broad power to change designs as a means of combatting counterfeit operations.
Certain elements, such as including the words "In God We Trust," and similar restrictions on depicting living individuals, must be observed as well.
What People Are Saying
Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent in a statement published on the Treasury website: "Under President Trump’s leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability. 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.”
Treasurer Brandon Beach in a statement on the Treasury website: "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. The President’s mark on history as the architect of America’s Golden Age economic revival is undeniable. Printing his signature on the American currency is not only appropriate, but also well deserved.”
Update 3/26/26, 7:26 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 3/26/26, 7:02 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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