South Carolina Republican Representative Joe Wilson was criticized after introducing a bill that would direct the U.S. Treasury to print a new $250 bill with President Donald Trump's face on it.
Earlier this week, he made the following announcement on X:
"Grateful to announce that I am drafting legislation to direct the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a $250 bill featuring Donald J. Trump. Bidenflation has destroyed the economy forcing American families to carry more cash. Most valuable bill for most valuable President!"
You can see his post below.
His post also included the following image of a proposed $250 bill.
@RepJoeWilson/X
Wilson followed through, later announcing he'd drafted the "Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act, thanking his co-sponsors, and writing:
"This big beautiful bill will honor the 250th birthday of America and our most valuable President Donald J. Trump!"
You can see his post below.
U.S. law prohibits living individuals from being depicted on the nation’s currency — a practice rooted in the desire to avoid any resemblance to a monarchy. This tradition became official with an Act of Congress in 1866.
The current portraits on U.S. bills were introduced in 1928 when the note size was standardized, with the Treasury favoring presidents for their enduring public recognition, though a few other historic figures, like Declaration of Independence signer Benjamin Franklin, were also included.
Trump would not qualify either way—and people were quick to call out Wilson for his stunt to curry favor with the president.
Wilson's proposal is also logistically improbable because bills larger than $100 have not been printed in 80 years, according to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
The U.S. no longer produces high-denomination bills like the $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 notes. However, they remain legal tender and could still be in circulation.
@jaketapoer/Bluesky
@BillAckman/Twitter