The Treasury Department is considering issuing a $250 bill featuring President Trump, though any such banknote would require a change in federal law, an agency official told CBS News.

The bill's development, first reported by the Washington Post on Thursday, comes in response to legislation proposed last year by Rep. Joe Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina, the department said.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the $250 bill at a White House press briefing on Thursday.

"For U.S. currency at present, no living person can be on U.S. currency, and the currency must say 'In God We Trust'," he said. "So right now, there is proposed legislation that is in front of the House, in front of the Senate, to change the first requirement so that a living person, Donald J. Trump, could be on the $250 bill."

"So we have prepared in advance that if the legislation is passed. But we will stick to the law," Bessent added.

A Treasury Department official told CBS News in an email that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is "conducting appropriate planning and due diligence in response to the proposed legislation."

The official added, "Should this legislative mandate be signed into law, the BEP is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation."

Federal law stipulates that "only the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities." Wilson's bill would amend the Federal Reserve Act by requiring the Treasury secretary to print $250 bills that "feature a portrait of Donald J. Trump."


Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent holds up a Washington Post article about a possible $250 bill with a portrait of President Trump during a press briefing at the White House, May 28, 2026. Reuters/Evan Vucci

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