Treasury read $250 Trump note, Congress must act

The Treasury Department has taken preliminary steps to design a $250 banknote featuring the portrait of President Donald Trump, but officials stress the creation of such currency would require Congress to change a longstanding federal law. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the department's preparatory work during a White House briefing, framing it as necessary due diligence should lawmakers pass pending legislation.

The proposed bill is intended to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary. Current law, established in 1866, prohibits the depiction of any living person on U.S. currency. Secretary Bessent stated that the Treasury's role is to be prepared for a potential legislative mandate, but he emphasized that the decision rests entirely with Congress. "It's all up to Capitol Hill," Bessent said. "We will stick to the law."

According to multiple reports, political appointees within the Treasury, including U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach and his senior adviser Mike Brown, have urged staff at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to develop prototypes and mockups for the note. Designs circulated within the agency reportedly feature Trump's portrait centrally positioned...