International
Trump Breaks Tradition as US Moves to Print His Signature on Dollar Bills
The United States is set to make history as its paper currency will soon carry the signature of sitting President Donald Trump, marking a major departure from longstanding convention.
The announcement was made Thursday by the U.S. Treasury Department, revealing that new dollar bills to be issued in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary will feature the signatures of Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Traditionally, U.S. currency only bears the signatures of the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury, making this move unprecedented in American history.
In a statement, Bessent described the decision as symbolic of what he called a period of “unprecedented economic growth” and “lasting dollar dominance” under Trump’s leadership.
He added that placing Trump’s name on the currency was a fitting tribute as the country approaches its semiquincentennial celebration of independence.
The development is the latest in a series of efforts by the Trump administration to leave a visible imprint on U.S. monetary symbols. Recently, a presidential advisory commission approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring Trump’s likeness to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, founded on July 4, 1776.
While the coin is not intended for circulation and carries no official face value, similar collectibles issued by the U.S. Mint have historically sold for over $1,000.
However, the moves have drawn criticism, particularly from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that featuring a living president on currency runs contrary to established norms and federal law.
Current regulations prohibit the depiction of living presidents on U.S. money, though the administration has explored ways to introduce limited-run or symbolic designs.
Despite the backlash, the White House appears determined to proceed, framing the initiative as part of a broader effort to commemorate America’s milestone anniversary and highlight what it views as a defining era in the nation’s economic history.
