Donald Trump is set to become the first sitting United States president to have his signature appear on US banknotes, following an announcement by the United States Department of the Treasury.
The treasury confirmed that Trump’s signature will appear alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in what officials described as an unprecedented step tied to commemorating America’s 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,” Bessent said, emphasising the symbolic significance of the move. US banknotes have traditionally carried only the signatures of treasury officials.
The decision marks the latest in a series of steps by the administration to associate Trump’s name with government programmes and public symbols across the country.
According to the treasury, the first $100 bills bearing both Trump’s and Bessent’s signatures will be printed in June, with other denominations expected to follow.
Notes currently in circulation continue to carry the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Treasurer Lynn Malerba, who served during the administration of former President Joe Biden.
It has been a longstanding tradition since 1861 for the US treasurer’s signature to appear on banknotes, a convention that will effectively be altered under the new arrangement introducing a sitting president’s signature.
Reinforcing the symbolism, US Treasurer Brandon Beach said the nation’s currency would “continue to stand as a symbol of prosperity, strength, and the unshakable spirit of the American people.”
The announcement comes as the United States marks 250 years since the formal declaration by the original 13 colonies, which later became states, declaring independence from Britain.
The move has also triggered political reactions. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and long-time critic of Trump, responded by criticising the president’s economic record.
“Now Americans will know exactly who to blame as they’re paying more for groceries, gas, rent, and health care,” Newsom posted on social media.
Earlier in the month, a federal arts commission approved a commemorative 24-karat gold coin bearing Trump’s image, also linked to the 250th anniversary celebrations.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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