WASHINGTON — In an unprecedented move, the Treasury Department revealed Thursday that President Donald Trump’s signature will be featured on all newly printed American paper money.
This decision breaks with centuries of tradition, as U.S. bills have historically only displayed the signatures of the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer of the United States, never including a sitting president’s name.
Vanity Fair was the first outlet to break this story.
This announcement represents another example of Trump incorporating his identity into various American institutions, similar to his previous decisions to rebrand the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center for performing arts, and a new generation of naval warships, among other commemorative actions.
The currency initiative coincides with concurrent efforts to feature Trump on commemorative coinage.
Just weeks ago, a federal arts panel gave final approval to a design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring Trump’s portrait, created to mark America’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration on July 4th.
According to Treasury Department documentation, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s signature will continue to appear alongside Trump’s on the new bills.
In an official statement, Bessent declared that placing Trump’s name on U.S. currency represents “the most powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country.”
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach also issued a statement supporting the decision, saying that including Trump’s signature on American money “is not only appropriate, but also well deserved.”
The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing handles all paper currency production, while coin manufacturing falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Mint.
