On the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Trump unveiled a new design for the $100 bill, featuring his signature prominently positioned directly above that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The presence of the current president's name on U.S. currency marks a truly unprecedented event in American monetary history. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the $100 bill will for the first time feature the signature of the sitting president (Trump), replacing the traditional signature of the Treasurer (Comptroller of the Treasury), now displayed alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The first batch of $100 bills bearing Trump’s signature will begin printing in June 2026.
Putting the current president’s signature on the national currency carries strong political symbolism. Since Trump’s inauguration for his second term, he has consistently left his mark on various American “national symbols.” From renaming airports and cultural institutions (such as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts), to launching limited-edition passports and commemorative gold coins featuring his portrait, to now including his signature on U.S. banknotes—this series of actions aims to deeply associate his personal political achievements with national historical icons, thereby reinforcing his legacy.
From the official standpoint of the Trump administration, this move is framed as an affirmation of national economic accomplishments. Treasury Secretary Bessent praised Trump’s achievements in a statement, claiming that under his leadership, the United States achieved “unprecedented economic growth” and financial system stability. Thus, the government believes it is entirely appropriate to issue currency bearing the president’s signature at this historic moment, serving to highlight the nation’s and its leader’s monumental accomplishments.
Since 1861, U.S. banknotes have been signed by both the Secretary of the Treasury and the Treasurer. This change—replacing the Treasurer’s signature with that of the president—breaks a tradition that has lasted for 165 years.
U.S. law strictly prohibits the use of living individuals’ portraits on circulating coins (which was also why the previous “$1 Trump coin” initiative faced obstacles). However, paper currency designs offer greater legal flexibility, providing the institutional space for Trump’s signature to appear on banknotes—though it has sparked criticism over the "politicization of national symbols." The Democrats have launched fierce attacks in response.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869915394146304/
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