Why is Donald Trump's Signature Appearing on US Banknotes?
Donald Trump likes his name on things. Real-estate, golf courses, alcoholic drinks, premium frozen beef, warships, federal buildings… you get the idea.
Now, in a move that ends 165 years of tradition, it’s the turn of American banknotes.
Previously the preserve of the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury, Trump is to become the first sitting US president to have his signature on printed currency.
The Treasury Department announced the redesign on 24 March, saying it marks the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Trump’s signature will appear alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who says: “There is no more powerful way to recognise the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name.”
It’s the latest in a series of initiatives by the Trump administration to associate the president with government programmes and construction projects.
Departure from treasury precedent
The announcement is a historic departure from previous tradition.
Historically, the stars of the currency world weren’t presidents, but those in charge of balancing the nation’s books, with the signing process initially beginning to ensure security and anti-counterfeiting – the Treasurer of the United States oversees the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, with the signature representing the ‘hand of the maker’.
Several previous signees have been noted as much for their script as their real or measurable impact on US politics and life, from Blanche Kelso Bruce – a formerly enslaved man and the first African American to have his signature on US currency, to the first female Treasurer of the United States Georgia Neese Clark.
Redesigned notes with Trump’s signature will drop the US Treasurer, who reports to Bessent.
New name, new bill
Trump's signature will begin appearing on US$100 bills in June, marking the 250th anniversary of independence, followed by other bills in subsequent months.
The Treasury is still producing notes with the signatures of Janet Yellen and Lynn Malerba, former President Joe Biden’s Treasury Secretary and Treasurer.
The printing of Federal Reserve notes is governed by a statute that allows design changes by the Treasury to guard against counterfeiting, though certain elements such as the words “In God We Trust” must remain.
Democratic Party governor and Trump critic Gavin Newsom said on social media: “Now Americans will know exactly who to blame as they’re paying more for groceries, gas, rent and health care.”
What else is named after Trump?
On 20 March, the US Federal Arts Commission approved a commemorative gold coin bearing the image of Trump. The 24-karat gold coin is intended to mark US independence on 4 July.
In October 2025, Trump fired all six serving members of the commission, installing new members to replace them in early 2026. They unanimously approved the gold coin depicting Trump.
It follows a slew of Trump branding by the current administration, including the recent renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts to the Trump-Kennedy Center and changing retitling the US Institute of Peace to the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace.
The US Navy’s latest Trump-Class Battleships are proposed as a signal of a “new golden age” of American naval supremacy.
Trump placement has been a key aspect of the US President’s career, with the Trump name being affixed to products ranging from skyscrapers to burgers.
Trump Steaks, launched in 2007 were sold as an exclusive product. The US$199 boxes of frozen meat were discontinued after just two months due to low sales.
Elsewhere, the Trump name has appeared on Vodka (launched 2006 and cancelled in 2011), pairs of luxury sneakers and Trump: The Game, a board game where the objective is to ‘be Trump’.
