Legal Concerns Mark Trump $250 Note

Senate Democrats are asking the Treasury Department to investigate whether funds are being improperly used for a proposed $250 note bearing President Donald Trump’s portrait. Lawmakers say federal law bars living people from appearing on U.S. currency, meaning congressional approval would be required before any such note could be issued. Representative Joe Wilson’s (R-South Carolina) stalled legislation would authorize the idea, though the Washington Post reported administration officials urged the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to prepare prototypes featuring Trump’s image without government approval. 

Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), and Chuck Schumer (D-New York) asked the Treasury Inspector General’s office, currently without a confirmed head, to review spending and legality concerns. Their letter describes the $250 note proposal as an “illegal vanity project” and questions whether Treasury resources are being misused amid rising costs for Americans. Treasury officials say they are conducting due diligence on the proposal. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirms that current law prohibits living individuals on currency but supports preparatory work in case legislation is passed that would allow Trump’s portrait to appear on a bank note. Polls show broad opposition to the idea, despite the U.S. Mint’s ongoing release of commemorative coins for the nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary.