US paper currency will soon bear Donald Trump’s signature, the Treasury Department announced last week, marking the first time a sitting American president’s signature will appear on dollar bills to coincide with the country’s 250th anniversary.
Historically, the signatures on dollar bills belong to the Treasurer of the United States and the secretary of the Treasury. The upcoming new bills will feature those of Trump and current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are on a path toward unprecedented economic growth, lasting dollar dominance, and fiscal strength and stability,” Bessent said in a statement announcing the decision.
“There is no more powerful way to recognise 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,” he added.
The move represents Trump’s latest effort to circumvent longstanding practice and put his mark on American currency.
Last week, an advisory commission hand-picked by Trump approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring his image, also intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the 4 July 1776 founding of the United States.
One side shows Trump standing with his fists bunched on a desk, while the other features an eagle perched with wings spread on what appears to be a bell.
The coin has no monetary value and its sale price has not been disclosed, though similar commemorative coins sold by the US Mint can cost more than $1 000 (about R17 000).
The decision to put Trump’s image on a coin runs counter to federal law stating that no living president may appear on US currency, drawing criticism from Democratic opponents.
Trump has also pressed ahead with other controversial designs, including one bearing his face on a $1 coin that would be temporarily added to circulating currency to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.
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