Senate Democrats are reportedly asking the Treasury Department’s Office of Inspector General to investigate a proposed $250 bill that would have President Donald Trump’s face on it, according to a report by Axios.
The proposal, which was introduced February 2025, requires the Department of the Treasury to print paper currency in the denomination of $250 featuring a portrait of Trump. The proposal also creates an exception for individuals who are or were President of the United States.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the $250 bill at a press conference in May, saying it’s “all in the hands of Capitol Hill,” noting that congressional approval would be needed because current federal law requires that no living person can be featured on U.S. currency.
Democrats, led by top Senate Banking Committee Democrat Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) are asking Office of the Inspector General to investigate, since federal law bars living people from appearing on U.S. currency, according to the report by Axios.
U.S. law states that only “the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities,” Axios reported, citing a U.S. code pertaining to engraving and printing currency and security documents.
The Washington Post reported that administration officials had repeatedly urged the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to prepare prototypes featuring Trump’s portrait, which Bessent confirmed in the press conference.
“Treasury, we prepare things in advance, so we have prepared in advance that if the legislation is passed but we will stick the law,” Bessent said.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Democrats want to investigate Trump $250 bill proposal. Here’s why
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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By Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
