Trump’s Signature to Appear on U.S. Paper Currency Beginning June 2026
In a first for a sitting president, the Treasury announced President Donald Trump’s signature will appear on newly printed U.S. paper currency starting June 2026, honoring the nation’s Semiquincentennial — with $100 bills rolling out first.
Key takeaways
- First for a sitting president: President Donald Trump’s signature will appear on new U.S. paper currency beginning June 2026 (Politico, CBS News).
- Placement: The president’s signature will be on the bottom right of bills next to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s signature, replacing the traditional Treasurer’s mark (Politico, CBS News).
- Rollout: Production begins with new $100 bills in June 2026; other denominations follow in ensuing months (Politico).
- Current notes: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing still produces notes bearing former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Treasurer Lynn Malerba’s signatures until the switch is implemented (Politico).
Details and timeline
Treasury officials announced the change as part of the nation’s Semiquincentennial observances in 2026. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent framed the move as a fitting recognition for the 250th anniversary:
“There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than U.S. dollar bills bearing his name,”
a statement quoted in reporting (Politico).
Production schedule
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing will begin producing $100 bills bearing the signatures of President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in June 2026. Other denominations will be updated and printed in the months after the $100 production begins. Until new plates are ready, the BEP will continue issuing notes that carry the signatures of former officials.
Where the signature will appear
Under the new plan, the president’s signature will appear on the bottom right of the bill, next to the Treasury secretary’s signature. That placement effectively replaces the Treasurer of the United States’ name in that location — a departure Treasury officials say is appropriate for the Semiquincentennial (CBS News).
Historical context
Traditionally, U.S. currency has carried the signatures of two Treasury officials: the Secretary of the Treasury and the Treasurer of the United States. Placing a sitting president’s signature on circulating paper money breaks with that longstanding practice. Treasury and administration statements emphasize the change’s symbolic link to the Semiquincentennial (CBS News).
Related Semiquincentennial commemorations
The announcement follows other efforts to mark 250 years of independence: a federal arts panel approved a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing President Trump’s likeness, and the administration has discussed a potential $1 coin featuring the president — though no final decision on a circulating coin has been announced (Politico).
Reactions and perspectives
Supporters praised the decision as appropriate recognition. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach called the placement of Trump’s signature “not only appropriate, but also well-deserved,” describing Trump as “the architect of America’s Golden Age economic revival” (Politico).
Critics warned about precedent and the politicization of national symbols, with some legal scholars and former officials urging caution about blurring institutional and political lines. The Treasury has defended the decision as part of the Semiquincentennial celebrations (CBS News).
Legal and logistical notes
The Treasury has authority over currency design and issuance and oversees the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Changing signatures on circulating notes requires new plates, printing runs, and logistical coordination to phase new notes into circulation while older stock cycles out. The BEP will continue producing notes with the Biden-era officials’ signatures until the switch is implemented (Politico).
Implications for the United States
Economic: For most Americans the change is symbolic and does not alter the dollar’s legal tender status or Federal Reserve policy. Those handling cash daily should expect no immediate transactional difference, though collectors may prize early examples.
Political and social: The decision is likely to intensify debate about the intersection of politics and national symbols. Supporters view the gesture as patriotic recognition; opponents see risks in politicizing currency — an issue likely to surface in campaigns and local discussions.
Practical applications
New $100 bills bearing the signatures of President Trump and Secretary Bessent are expected to appear in circulation beginning in June 2026, with other denominations following. Cash-handling businesses and banks should plan for gradual integration of new notes; collectors may find early runs especially valuable for numismatic reasons (Politico).
Reporting and sources
This report references announcements and coverage from Politico and CBS News, which provided details about the Treasury Department’s plan and the planned production schedule.
