The US Department of the Treasury announced on Thursday that Donald Trump’s signature will be featured on upcoming American banknotes, marking a first for a sitting president. The initial 100-dollar bills carrying his signature are scheduled for printing in June, with plans to extend this to other denominations, according to the government’s statement.
This decision represents a historical shift since traditionally, US banknotes have only displayed the signatures of the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer, not the sitting president, as noted by reports.
This move is the latest instance of Trump associating his identity with American cultural institutions, having previously renamed the US Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center’s performing arts building, and introducing a new class of combat ships alongside other tributes.
Commemorative Gold Coin Featuring Trump’s Image
The plans align with ongoing efforts to feature Trump’s likeness on a coin.
Earlier this month, a federal arts commission approved the final design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin displaying Trump’s image, intended for release on July 4th. Late last year, the US Mint unveiled designs for coins celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence, depicting founding documents and the Revolutionary War, but at that time did not include President Trump, despite some allies’ attempts to feature his image on a coin.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed in a statement that “there is no more powerful way to acknowledge the historic achievements of our great nation” than with dollar bills bearing Trump’s signature.
US Treasurer Brandon Beach added that printing Trump’s signature on American currency is “not only appropriate but also well-deserved.”
The US Bureau of Engraving and Printing is in charge of producing all banknotes, whereas the US Mint is responsible for minting all coins.
