The U.S. Treasury announced a historic change: it will print President Donald Trump's signature on U.S. dollar banknotes. This marks the first time a sitting president's signature will appear on currency, ending a tradition of more than 165 years that required the Treasurer's signature.
The U.S. Treasury revealed that new circulating banknotes will begin to feature President Donald Trump's signature this summer. This is the first time in American history that a sitting president's signature will be used on currency.
This redesign aims to celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. A key change is the removal of the U.S. Treasurer's signature from banknotes—a custom practiced continuously since 1861.
The $100 bill will be the first to include President Trump's signature alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Beasley in June, followed by other denominations being updated and gradually entering circulation.
During the transition, the Treasury will continue producing banknotes bearing the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen from the Biden administration and former Treasurer Lynn Malerba. Malerba will be the last Treasurer whose signature appears on U.S. government banknotes, a tradition dating back to the first issuance of currency in 1861.
Treasury Secretary Scott Beasley stated in a press release that this move is fitting as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, considering the strength of the economy and financial stability during President Trump's second term. Current Treasurer Brandon Beach praised Trump as the architect behind a "golden era economic recovery."
However, efforts to feature Trump's name or image on government items have been evident recently—from building names, government programs, and naval vessels to commemorative gold coins approved just last week. Attempts to place Trump's image on the circulating $1 coin failed due to U.S. laws prohibiting living persons' images on currency.
Regarding banknotes, the law grants the Treasury broad authority to modify designs to prevent counterfeiting. Officials confirm that the overall appearance of the banknotes will remain unchanged, with only the Treasurer's signature replaced by President Trump's. Important elements such as "In God We Trust" and portraits of historical figures will remain intact.