Historic move by Treasury Department
Donald Trump is set to become the first sitting US president to have his signature appear on US banknotes, the Treasury Department announced. The move, unprecedented in American history, will see Trump’s signature printed alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s.
Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary
The department said the decision is intended to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. “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,” Bessent said.
First bills to be issued in June
The first $100 bills featuring Trump and Bessent’s signatures are expected to be printed in June, with additional denominations to follow. Currently printed notes carry the signatures of former President Joe Biden’s Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Treasurer Lynn Malerba.
Breaking long-standing tradition
Since 1861, US banknotes have traditionally displayed the treasurer’s signature, a practice that will be altered under the Trump administration’s plan. Current US Treasurer Brandon Beach assured that the currency will “continue to stand as a symbol of prosperity, strength, and the unshakable spirit of the American people.”
Reactions and related commemorations
The announcement drew criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, a long-time Trump critic, who highlighted the president’s economic record. Earlier this month, a federal arts commission approved a commemorative 24-karat gold coin bearing Trump’s image, also celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. During his first term, Trump’s name appeared on paper support cheques issued to Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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