The Treasury Department announced Thursday that U.S. paper money will soon feature President Donald Trump’s signature as part of plans to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, marking the first time a sitting president’s name will appear on currency while also removing the Treasurer’s signature for the first time in more than a century and a half.
According to a statement provided to Reuters, the first $100 bills bearing Trump’s signature alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are expected to begin printing in June, with additional denominations to follow in the months afterward.
For now, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing continues producing bills that carry the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Treasurer Lynn Malerba.
Malerba is set to become the final Treasurer whose signature appears on U.S. currency, ending a continuous practice that dates back to 1861, when the federal government first issued paper money.
The change is part of a broader push by the Trump administration and its supporters to place the president’s name on a wide range of national symbols, including federal buildings, institutions, programs, naval vessels, and coins. A federal arts panel composed of Trump appointees has already approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring his likeness.
In a statement, Bessent said the decision reflects the significance of the upcoming anniversary and the country’s economic standing, citing strong growth, financial stability, and “lasting dollar dominance” during Trump’s second term.
“There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than U.S. dollar bills bearing his name, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial,” Bessent said.
Efforts to introduce a circulating $1 coin depicting Trump have faced legal hurdles, as federal law prohibits the use of living individuals on U.S. coins.
Under existing law governing Federal Reserve notes, the Treasury Department has broad authority to alter designs to prevent counterfeiting, though certain elements must remain unchanged. These include the phrase “In God We Trust,” and the rule that portraits may only depict individuals who have died.
Officials said the overall appearance of the bills will remain the same, with the only modification being the replacement of the Treasurer’s signature with that of the president.