During a press conference on Thursday, Bessent was questioned about a Washington Post article that reported Trump administration officials advocating for the president’s portrait to appear on special banknotes to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. No living individual has been depicted on US currency since the 19th century.
“I don’t think there’s anything inappropriate about having the president of the United States — the individual currently holding that office — featured on the 250th-anniversary bill,” Bessent stated on Thursday during a White House press briefing.
A law established 160 years ago prohibits current officials or living individuals from appearing on American coins or banknotes. Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina proposed legislation last year to permit a note that includes Trump’s likeness.
Bessent emphasized that it is up to Congress to decide whether to ease these restrictions, which were partly enacted to prevent officials from self-promotion.
Two Mandates
“As Treasury Secretary, I have two mandates regarding US currency,” he explained. “Currently, no living person can be depicted on US currency, and the currency must feature the phrase ‘In God We Trust.’” Concerning the proposed bill, he added, “It’s all up on Capitol Hill.”
He also defended the Treasury’s preparations for printing such a note prior to any congressional decision.
“We prepare for everything,” he remarked, drawing a parallel with the department’s actions in anticipation of Trump’s major tax legislation last July. “We will adhere to the law.”
Bessent was the third senior administration official to fill in for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is currently on maternity leave, during the briefing — following Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
