US Treasury to Feature Trump's Signature on New Currency

Move marks first time a sitting president's signature will appear on US paper money

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Treasury Department announced plans to include President Donald Trump's signature on all new U.S. paper currency, a first for a sitting president. The move is intended to honor the nation's 250th birthday, though it has drawn criticism from Democrats who say it is an inappropriate politicization of American currency.

Why it matters

This decision represents an unprecedented step in putting a sitting president's name and likeness on U.S. currency, which has traditionally featured the signatures of the Treasury Secretary and Treasurer. It raises questions about the appropriate use of national symbols and whether this sets a precedent for future presidents to seek similar treatment.

The details

The Treasury says the plan to include Trump's signature is intended to recognize the country's 250th anniversary, and that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's signature would also appear. However, the move has faced criticism from Democrats who argue it is a political ploy that comes as Americans are struggling with rising costs for gas, groceries and other goods.

  • The Treasury Department announced the plan on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who will have his signature featured on new U.S. currency for the first time in history.

Scott Bessent

The current U.S. Treasury Secretary, whose signature will also appear on the new currency alongside President Trump's.

Shontel Brown

A Democratic Congresswoman from Ohio who criticized the Treasury's decision as "gross and un-American."

Michael Bordo

The director of the Center for Monetary and Financial History at Rutgers University, who noted the move will likely face political pushback but may not violate any laws.

Brandon Beach

The current U.S. Treasurer, who stated that including Trump's signature on currency is "not only appropriate, but also well deserved."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country than with U.S dollar bills bearing Trump's name.”

— Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary

“This is gross and un-American. But at least it will remind us who to thank when we pay more for gas, goods, and groceries.”

— Shontel Brown, U.S. Representative

“Printing Trump's signature on the American currency is not only appropriate, but also well deserved.”

— Brandon Beach, U.S. Treasurer

What’s next

The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing will begin producing new currency featuring President Trump's signature in the coming months, ahead of the country's 250th birthday celebration on July 4.

The takeaway

This decision to include a sitting president's signature on U.S. currency is unprecedented and raises concerns about the appropriate use of national symbols for political purposes. It remains to be seen whether this sets a precedent for future presidents to seek similar treatment, or if it will face legal and political challenges.