 "If this plan moves forward, Trump would become the first living former or sitting president to appear on US currency. Image courtesy: X/@RepJoeWilson")
South Carolina’s Republican lawmaker Joe Wilson has come up with a striking proposal—introducing a $250 bill with President Donald Trump’s face on it.
Calling Trump “the most valuable president,” the Congressman believes the bill would not only honour his legacy but also serve a practical purpose in tackling what he refers to as “Bidenflation.”
If this plan moves forward, Trump would become the first living former or sitting president to appear on US currency—a move that breaks from long-standing tradition.
But is it even legal to feature a living person on national banknotes? Or is this just another attempt to cement Trump’s place in history? Let’s take a closer look.
Trump-themed US currency?
Announcing his plans on February 25, Wilson shared a digitally edited image of the proposed bill on social media. The picture had a colourised, stern-looking Trump’s face emblazoned on the new $250 note.
“Grateful to announce that I am drafting legislation to direct the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a $250 bill featuring Donald J. Trump. Bidenflation has destroyed the economy forcing American families to carry more cash. Most valuable bill for most valuable President!” he wrote in his post.
Wilson, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, made his online pitch just a day after Republicans pushed through a budget plan with only one defection. His proposal comes at a time when discussions on Pentagon budget cuts and developments in the Ukraine war are rapidly unfolding.
If his legislation is approved, the Trump-themed $250 bill would become the highest-denomination legal tender in US currency. However, the bill has yet to be introduced to Congress, and Wilson has not set a timeline for its submission.
Social media, however, wasted no time sharing their two cents on the idea.
One user on X dismissed the lawmaker’s idea outright, saying, “Don’t spend money paying staff to draft this. It’s a waste of time & resources.” Another added, “Can you imagine having the best president and FELON on a $250 bill… Having a pocket full of those would be the hugest flex…”
Supporters, however, saw merit in the idea, with one user commenting, “It looks great, way more useful than a 100 for bigger exchanges. Let’s gooo."
A response to ‘Bidenflation’
Wilson’s push for the new bill is largely framed as a response to inflation, which he and other Republicans blame on former President Joe Biden ’s administration.
Inflation in the US surged to a 40-year high of 9.1 per cent in mid-2022, driven by supply chain disruptions, pandemic-era stimulus measures, and increased government spending. Critics argue that Biden’s economic policies, such as increased government spending and economic stimulus measures, contributed to the rise in inflation.
Also read: Inflation worries in US, deflation tension in China: Two tales of two biggest economies
Although inflation has since cooled, reaching 3 per cent in January 2025, concerns about rising prices persist. Trump’s recent announcement of new tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China has added to economic uncertainty, with experts warning that these trade policies could push prices higher.
A recent Labour Department report also highlighted growing pressure on consumers, revealing that January saw the steepest rise in consumer prices in nearly 18 months. From groceries to rent and fuel, Americans are still feeling the strain of inflation.
But can Trump be added to US currency?
While Wilson has proposed his plans to feature Trump on US currency, there’s a major legal obstacle standing in the way.
A law that explicitly forbids living people from being featured on US money. A federal statute passed in 1866 states, “No portrait shall be placed upon any of the bonds, securities, notes, fractional or postal currency of the United States, while the original of such portrait is living.”
If Wilson will to move forward with his plan, he would first have to push for a change in this long-standing law, which can be an uphill battle in itself.
Other bizarre proposals to honour Trump
Wilson’s idea isn’t the first attempt to cement Trump’s legacy in American history. Over the years, his supporters have put forward various proposals to honour the president—some of which have been just as controversial.
Suggestions have emerged such as carving Trump’s face into Mount Rushmore, alongside former presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. While others have pushed for an amendment that would allow him to seek a third term, despite the two-term limit set by the US Constitution. There have also been calls to make Trump’s birthday a national holiday .
With input from agencies