Trump Signature to Appear on US Currency in Historic Redesign

US paper currency will begin carrying the signature of Donald Trump starting this summer, marking the first time a sitting president’s name appears on American banknotes, the Treasury Department confirmed on Thursday.

The change is part of a redesign planned to coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence. It will also end a 165-year tradition, as the signature of the US treasurer will be removed from federal currency for the first time since paper money was introduced in 1861.

According to officials, the first $100 bills featuring Trump’s signature, alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, will be printed in June. Additional denominations are expected to follow in the coming months, although it may take several weeks for the new notes to reach circulation through banks.

The Treasury continues to produce existing notes bearing the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and former Treasurer Lynn Malerba. Malerba will become the last treasurer to have their signature appear on US currency, closing a long-standing institutional practice.

Officials said the overall design of the banknotes will remain unchanged, apart from replacing the treasurer’s signature with that of the president. Legal requirements, including the use of the phrase “In God We Trust” and the restriction that portraits depict only deceased individuals, will remain in place.

The move reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to place the president’s name and image on public symbols, including buildings, programs and commemorative items. A federal arts panel recently approved a design for a gold coin featuring Trump’s likeness, although existing laws prevent living individuals from appearing on circulating coins.

Bessent said the decision aligns with the upcoming anniversary celebrations and highlighted the administration’s view of current economic conditions. He described the new currency as a way to recognize both the country’s milestone and what he called a period of strong economic performance.

Supporters of the move have framed it as symbolic of national progress, while critics have questioned the break from long-standing conventions separating institutional roles from political leadership.

Former treasurer Malerba declined to comment on the decision. Jovita Carranza, who held the role during Trump’s first term, described the change as a “powerful symbol” of economic strength and resilience. Current treasurer Brandon Beach, whose signature will not appear on the new notes, also expressed support, calling Trump a key figure behind recent economic growth.

The redesign represents a significant departure from tradition, placing a sitting president’s signature directly on US currency for the first time in the nation’s history.