Donald Trump's Signature to Appear on US Currency, Ending 165-Year Tradition

Washington D.C. For the first time in American history, the signature of a sitting president will be printed on paper currency (dollars). According to an announcement made by the U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday, currency bearing President Donald Trump's signature will enter circulation starting this coming summer.

This new design of notes, being introduced to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, also ends a long administrative tradition that has been in place for the past 165 years. Since 1861, the signature of the Treasurer has been mandatory on U.S. federal currency. However, the Treasurer's signature will now be removed and replaced by the President's signature.

The Treasurer oversees departments such as the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Mint, operating under the Treasury Secretary. Starting this coming June, $100 notes bearing the signatures of President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be printed, with other denominations following in the market a few weeks later. Currently, notes bearing the signatures of former President Joe Biden's Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and former Treasurer Lynn Malfatto are being produced.

The Trump administration views this change as a strategy to institutionalize its achievements. Trump has been intensifying efforts to affix his name to various buildings, government programs, warships, and coins during his tenure.

Just last week, an arts panel composed of members appointed by Trump approved the design for a gold coin bearing Trump's image. However, due to legal provisions prohibiting the printing of images of living persons on coins, Trump's image could not be placed on the regular circulating $1 coin.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed in a statement that placing the President's signature on the dollar is appropriate to recognize the economic growth and financial stability achieved during Trump's second term. He noted that there could be no greater honor than having the nation's historical achievements and Trump's name inscribed on the dollar while celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Similarly, current Treasurer Brandon Beach supported this move, calling Trump the 'architect of the golden age economic resurgence.'

Legally, the U.S. Treasury has broad authority to change the design of notes, especially to prevent counterfeiting. However, the law does not permit the removal of phrases like 'In God We Trust' and only allows images of deceased individuals.

Therefore, officials clarified that the overall appearance of the dollar will not change; only the Treasurer's signature will be removed and replaced with Trump's signature. Trump is set to become the first American president to have his signature on currency, ending a 165-year-old tradition.

Reuters