A $100 bill bearing President Donald Trump's signature, as revealed on his Truth Social account. [Truth Social]
A $100 bill bearing President Donald Trump's signature, as revealed on his Truth Social account. [Truth Social]

President Donald Trump unveiled a $100 bill bearing his signature to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding — the first time in history that a sitting president's signature has appeared on American currency, sparking debate over both its symbolism and legality.

On Friday (local time), Trump posted an image of the bill on his Truth Social account without explanation, showing his handwritten signature printed on the note.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shared the image on his X account, saying the United States is moving toward "unprecedented economic growth, dollar dominance and fiscal soundness under President Trump's leadership."

"There is no more powerful symbol to honor the greatness of America and the historic achievements of President Trump than a dollar bill bearing his signature," Bessent added, calling the commemorative note "entirely fitting" for the 250th anniversary.

The Treasury Department announced in March that it would print Trump's signature on newly issued bills as part of the 250th anniversary commemoration project. The release date for public circulation has not been disclosed. The Hill reported that the process typically takes several weeks, given the time required for printing at the mint and distribution through the Federal Reserve.

American banknotes normally carry the signatures of the Treasury secretary and the Treasurer of the United States. A sitting president's signature has never before appeared on the currency.

The move has drawn legal challenges. The Hill reported that federal law prohibits the use of imagery related to living persons on currency. The Treasury Department, however, maintains that a law Trump signed during his first term — the 2020 Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act — allows exceptions for special occasions such as the 250th anniversary commemoration.

Public opinion is not favorable. An April poll by The Economist and YouGov found that 59 percent of respondents opposed putting Trump's signature on currency, while support was limited to 24 percent.

Since returning to office, Trump has moved aggressively to incorporate his name and image into national commemorative projects. His administration has introduced limited-edition passports and national park passes featuring his portrait, and a $1 commemorative coin bearing his likeness — also part of the 250th anniversary project — recently received approval from a government advisory body.


attom@heraldcorp.com