US President Donald Trump is poised to make history as the first sitting president whose signature will appear on US banknotes, the Treasury Department announced.
Trump’s signature will accompany that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on newly printed currency, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. “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.
The first $100 bills featuring the signatures of Trump and Bessent are scheduled for printing in June, replacing notes currently bearing the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Treasurer Lynn Malerba.
Since 1861, US banknotes have traditionally carried the signatures of treasury officials, a practice set to change under the current administration. Current US Treasurer Brandon Beach said the currency will continue to symbolize “prosperity, strength, and the unshakable spirit of the American people.”
The announcement has drawn criticism from Democratic Party leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who blamed Trump for rising costs of living. Earlier this month, a federal arts commission approved a commemorative 24-karat gold coin featuring Trump to also mark the country’s 250th anniversary.
During his first term, Trump’s name previously appeared on pandemic relief cheques sent to millions of Americans.
With inputs from BBC