US paper currency will soon carry President Donald Trump’s signature as part of plans to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Treasury Department announced on Thursday. The department is preparing to introduce the president’s signature on all new US paper currency, a first for a sitting US leader.
The move also breaks with a 165-year tradition by removing the Treasurer of the United States’ signature from federal currency for the first time since the system began in 1861.
According to the Treasury, the first $100 bills featuring Trump’s signature alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be printed in June, with other denominations to follow in the months ahead.
Bessent said the initiative reflects what he described as strong economic progress, adding that placing Trump’s name on US currency is a fitting way to commemorate both the nation’s achievements and its 250th anniversary.
“There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial,” Bessent said in a statement released by the US Department of the Treasury.
US Treasurer Brandon Beach also backed the decision, saying the move is “appropriate” and “well deserved.”
Currently, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing continues to produce notes carrying the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who served under President Joe Biden, and US Treasurer Lynn Malerba.
Malerba’s signature marks the end of an uninterrupted lineage dating back to 1861, when US federal currency was first issued. For over a century and a half, the Treasurer’s signature has been a consistent feature of American banknotes.
The currency update comes alongside a broader push to honor Trump during the anniversary celebrations. Earlier this month, a federal arts commission approved the design of a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring his image, set to be released as part of the July 4 Semiquincentennial observances.
Source: India Today