Trump signature to appear on US currency, ending 165-year tradition

U.S. paper currency will begin bearing the signature of President Donald Trump starting this summer, marking the first time a sitting president’s name appears on American banknotes, the United States Department of the Treasury announced Thursday.

The redesigned notes are part of commemorations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. In a historic shift, the new bills will also omit the signature of the U.S. treasurer — a feature that has appeared on federal currency since 1861.

The first $100 bills featuring Trump’s signature alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are scheduled to be printed in June, with additional denominations to follow in the coming months. Officials said it may take several weeks for the new notes to enter general circulation.

The Treasury is continuing to produce currency bearing the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who served under former President Joe Biden, and former Treasurer Lynn Malerba.

Malerba will be the last in a continuous line of treasurers whose signatures have appeared on U.S. currency since its introduction during the Civil War era.

Part of broader branding push

The change is the latest in a series of efforts by the Trump administration and its allies to feature the president’s name and likeness across public assets, including buildings, government programs and commemorative items.

Last week, a federal arts panel approved the design of a commemorative gold coin bearing Trump’s image. However, a proposal to introduce a circulating $1 coin depicting the president has faced legal obstacles, as U.S. law prohibits the portrayal of living individuals on coinage.

Legal framework unchanged

Under existing law governing Federal Reserve notes, the Treasury has broad authority to alter designs to prevent counterfeiting, provided certain elements remain intact — including the phrase “In God We Trust” and the use of portraits of deceased individuals.

Treasury officials said the overall design of the banknotes will remain unchanged, aside from the replacement of the treasurer’s signature with Trump’s.

Administration and former officials respond

In a statement, Bessent described the move as fitting for the nation’s 250th anniversary, citing strong economic performance 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,” he said.

Former Treasurer Malerba declined to comment. Her predecessor, Jovita Carranza, who served during Trump’s first term, called the decision “a powerful symbol of American resilience.”

Current Treasurer Brandon Beach, whose signature has not appeared on currency under the new policy, also expressed support, describing Trump as the architect of a “golden age economic revival.”