U.S. currency to bear Trump’s signature despite federal law
Traditionally, signatures appearing on Federal Reserve notes belong to the Treasurer of the United States and the secretary of the Treasury.
In a break with longstanding practice, the Treasury Department said US paper currency will soon carry the signature of President Donald Trump, a move scheduled to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary and marking the first time a sitting president’s name will appear on dollar bills.
Traditionally, signatures appearing on Federal Reserve notes belong to the Treasurer of the United States and the secretary of the Treasury.
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The decision to place Mr Trump’s name on currency — and earlier efforts to place his likeness on a commemorative coin despite federal law barring living presidents from appearing on US money — has drawn criticism from his Democratic opponents.
Officials said the new bills will display the signatures of Mr Trump alongside those of current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
“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,” he added.
The announcement is the latest in a series of steps by Mr Trump to place his imprint on the nation’s currency and commemorative pieces.
Last week, an advisory commission appointed by Mr Trump approved the design for a commemorative gold coin featuring his image, also intended to mark the semiquincentennial of the July 4, 1776 founding of the United States.
One side of the proposed coin depicts a glaring Mr Trump with his fists planted on a desk; the reverse shows an eagle perched with wings spread atop what appears to be a bell.
The coin carries no face monetary value and its sale price has not been disclosed, though comparable commemorative pieces sold by the US Mint have fetched more than $1,000.
Mr Trump has pursued other contentious designs as well, including plans for a $1 coin bearing his portrait that would be temporarily released into circulation as part of the 250th-anniversary observances.