$250 Trump bill: All you need to know plus US currency facts

A $250 cash bill featuring the image of President Donald Trump has been making headlines for a few months and with America’s 250th birthday rapidly approach, talk of making the currency a reality is heating up. But there’s a major snag, and it would require federal lawmakers to pass legislation. 

When it comes to U.S. currency there’s plenty of rules, regulations and laws that have to be abided by, the addition of and appearance of U.S. currency simply can’t come into play with the president’s signature. Here are some clarifications on the $250 bill and the background of the U.S. currency we use today.

First introduced by South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson in February, U.S. House Bill 1761 would “require the U.S. Treasury to print $250 federal notes featuring a portrait of President Donald J. Trump, and for other purposes.” The same day it was introduced, Wilson’s bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Service. It has not moved forward from there. 

In a statement released by Wilson’s office, the representative commended Trump and placed financial blame on former President Joe Biden:

“‘Bidenflation’ has destroyed the economy forcing American families to carry more cash. President Trump is working tirelessly to fight inflation and help American families. This achievement is deserving of currency recognition, which is why I am grateful to introduce this legislation. The most valuable bill for the most valuable president.”

But the big hurdle isn’t getting Wilson’s bill to pass committee, pass the House, to to the Senate and go through the same process and eventually the president’s desk to be signed into law. The big hurdle is U.S. law that states in part, “Only the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities.” And Trump is very much alive. 

It is up to Congress if that law changes, and that proposal is wrapped into Wilson’s bill. To put it in simple terms, the bill is proposing both; the $250 Trump cash bill and change the law to allow living individuals on U.S. currency. 

To put it quite simply, yes. But that’s only if the $250 bill becomes “legally tendered” for use. If it’s given that status the $250 bill can be used to pay at grocery stores, department stores, etcetera. 

Hang on though, there’s a catch.

There’s is no federal law that states payments have to be made in cash and with that, businesses can set their own money accepting policies — barring any other state or local law that says otherwise. So if you get to the cashier at the grocery store and a post-it note or sign indicates bills larger than — for example $50 or $100 — are not accepted, you wouldn’t be able to use your $250 bill. 

• The only people to appear on U.S. currency to not serve as president are Alexander Hamilton ($10 bill) and Benjamin Franklin ($100 bill).

• For America’s 250th Birthday, the U.S. Mint is issuing a “one year only” half dollar that features the Statue of Liberty on the front a passing of the Liberty torch on the back. The half dollar featuring President John F. Kennedy that ran consistently from 1977 to 2025 will return in 2026 with a new JFK image. The JFK coin was originally introduced in 1963, but its circulation temporarily ceased in 1975 and 1976 for the U.S. bicentennial celebration.

• The $2 bill featuring President Thomas Jefferson is still in circulation and a you can use it for purchasing. You don’t see it being used much for change from a cashier, but the bill is still widely used. If you’re looking for some to give as gift or just to have on hand or just prefer to use, your local bank is your best bet. 

• There use to be larger bills: Think the $2 bill is weird? There were others