WASHINGTON, March 27 — U.S. currency will soon carry President Donald Trump’s signature, a historic shift that will end a 165-year practice of including the U.S. treasurer’s signature on federal banknotes, the Treasury Department announced.
The change, linked to the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence, will appear first on newly printed $100 bills in June. These notes will feature the signatures of Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and are expected to enter circulation within weeks.
The decision marks the first time a sitting U.S. president’s signature will appear on paper currency. Officials said the update is part of broader commemorative efforts tied to the semiquincentennial.
Historic shift in currency signatures
Since 1861, U.S. banknotes have carried the signature of the treasurer alongside that of the Treasury secretary. Lynn Malerba, the most recent treasurer, becomes the last official to appear under this long-standing tradition.
Existing notes signed by former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Malerba will remain valid and continue circulating.
No major design overhaul
Treasury officials confirmed that aside from the signature change, the overall look of U.S. currency will remain unchanged. Legal requirements still mandate features such as “In God We Trust” and restrict portraits to deceased individuals.
The Treasury retains authority to update note designs primarily for security and anti-counterfeiting purposes.
Part of wider anniversary measures
The move aligns with a series of initiatives marking 250 years of U.S. independence, including plans for commemorative coins and symbolic recognitions.
A proposal to introduce a circulating $1 coin featuring Trump did not proceed due to laws prohibiting living individuals from appearing on U.S. coins.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the redesigned notes reflect both the anniversary milestone and the country’s economic position.
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