Debate erupts in US over proposed $250 bill featuring Trump

Democratic senators in the US Congress are seeking an investigation into funding allocated for the possible creation of a $250 banknote featuring President Donald Trump, Axios reports, citing sources.

A group of Democratic lawmakers has asked the Treasury Department’s Office of Inspector General to examine expenditures related to what they described as an “illegal $250 bill.” Under US law, only portraits of deceased individuals may appear on American currency and government securities.

“At a time when Americans continue to face rising costs, the Treasury Department should be focused on addressing pressing economic concerns rather than devoting resources to what appears to be an illegal vanity project for the President,” Axios quoted from a letter sent by Democratic representatives and released on Tuesday, June 23.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously stated that the administration would not seek to introduce a $250 bill bearing Trump’s portrait unless Congress approved the measure.

According to an earlier report by The Washington Post, the Treasury Department has been promoting the idea of a $250 banknote featuring the sitting president. If introduced, Trump would become the first living person in 150 years to appear on a U.S. banknote.

By Jeyhun Aghazada