Trump signature on US currency ends 165-year Treasurer tradition

In a historic departure from long-standing convention, the administration of Donald Trump has approved plans to place the President’s signature on all newly issued US paper currency, marking the country’s 250th year of independence.

Announced by the United States Department of the Treasury, the move will make Trump the first sitting US president to have his signature featured on federal banknotes. The change also ends a 165-year tradition by removing the signature of the US Treasurer — a fixture on American currency since 1861.

Officials said the first redesigned $100 bills will be printed in June, carrying the signatures of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump. Other denominations are expected to follow in phases over the coming months.

Bessent described the initiative as a symbolic recognition of what he termed strong economic progress, adding that the currency redesign aligns with celebrations of the Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of American independence.

“There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our country and President Donald J Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name,” he said in an official statement.

Backing the decision, US Treasurer Brandon Beach called the move “appropriate” and “well deserved,” even as it effectively eliminates his office’s traditional presence on banknotes.

At present, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing continues to produce currency bearing the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Treasurer Lynn Malerba, maintaining a lineage that has remained uninterrupted for more than a century and a half.

Malerba’s signature now marks the end of that historical continuity, closing a chapter that dates back to the introduction of US federal currency during the Civil War era.

The currency overhaul is part of a broader effort to commemorate Trump during the anniversary year. Earlier this month, a federal arts body cleared the design of a 24-karat gold commemorative coin featuring his image, scheduled for release during the July 4 Semiquincentennial celebrations.