Donald Trump is poised to make history by becoming the first sitting president to have his signature printed on United States paper currency.
The Treasury Department announced that the president's autograph will be featured alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on upcoming banknotes. According to officials, the unprecedented change is designed to commemorate the nation's rapidly approaching 250th anniversary.
"There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name," Bessent said of the decision.
The rollout will begin this June, starting with newly printed $100 bills, before eventually expanding to other denominations. Currently, US banknotes bear the signatures of Biden-era Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Treasurer Lynn Malerba.
The inclusion of Trump's signature breaks a long-standing tradition dating back to 1861, which dictated that only the signatures of designated treasury officials appear on American bank notes. Under the new plan, the signature of the US Treasurer will be removed to make room for the president's.
Current US Treasurer Brandon Beach defended the integrity of the dollar following the announcement, stating that American currency will "continue to stand as a symbol of prosperity, strength, and the unshakable spirit of the American people."
The initiative aligns with a broader push by the administration to stamp Trump's name on federal programs and public assets. During his first term, Trump's name appeared on paper stimulus checks sent to millions of Americans amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, a federal arts commission also approved a commemorative 24-karat gold coin featuring the president's likeness in honor of America's 250th birthday.
However, political rivals were quick to weaponize the announcement. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a fierce critic of the president, took to social media to link the new Trump-signed bills to ongoing inflation concerns.
"Now Americans will know exactly who to blame as they're paying more for groceries, gas, rent, and health care," Newsom wrote.