Donald Trump signs U.S currency; $100 bills bearing President’s name to enter into circulation first

U.S. Treasury Department confirmed Thursday that President Donald Trump’s signature will appear on American paper currency starting this June, making him the first sitting commander-in-chief to sign federal banknotes in the nation's history. Planned to coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence, the redesigned $100 bills will simultaneously terminate a 161-year-old protocol by deleting the signature of the U.S. Treasurer from the plates. While the Bureau of Engraving and Printing continues to produce notes bearing the signatures of former officials Janet Yellen and Lynn Malerba, the transition to the "Trump-Bessent" series represents a significant shift in the visual identity of the U.S. dollar. Treasury officials noted that while portraits must remain of deceased figures by law, the Secretary retains broad discretion over secondary design elements, including the administrative signatures that validate the legal tender.

Why is Donald Trump’s signature appearing on the currency?

The decision to include the President's signature is framed as a tribute to the nation’s Semiquincentennial. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement reported by Reuters that the move recognizes the "historic achievements" of the country and President Trump during his second term. Bessent described the inclusion of the President's name as a "powerful way" to mark the 250th anniversary amidst a period of economic stability. The move follows other administrative efforts to place the President’s name on government programs, buildings, and warships.

When will Trump Signed notes come into circulation?

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is scheduled to begin production of the $100 bills featuring the Trump-Bessent signatures in June. Following the initial run of $100 notes, other denominations will be updated in subsequent months. Treasury officials noted that while printing begins in the summer, it may take several weeks for the new bills to move through the Federal Reserve system and reach local banks for public use.

Are there any legal implications for the redesign?

Under existing statutes governing Federal Reserve notes, the Treasury Department holds "broad discretion" to alter currency designs to prevent counterfeiting and manage administrative details. While federal law strictly prohibits the depiction of living individuals in portraits on coins and paper money—a rule that recently blocked a circulating $1 Trump coin—the law does not expressly prohibit a sitting president’s signature. The Treasury clarified that the words "In God We Trust" and the portraits of deceased individuals will remain unchanged; only the signature block traditionally reserved for the U.S. Treasurer is being replaced.

What is the reaction to the removal of the Treasurer’s signature?

For the first time since 1861, the U.S. Treasurer's name will be absent from federal currency. Jovita Carranza, who served as Treasurer during Trump's first term, called the change a "powerful symbol of American resilience" in a statement to Reuters. Current Treasurer Brandon Beach, whose name will not appear on the new series, also expressed support, describing the President as the architect of an economic revival. However, Lynn Malerba, the outgoing Treasurer, declined to comment on the administration's decision to break the unbroken 165-year line of treasurers appearing on the notes.

(With agency inputs)