South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson is drafting legislation to honor President Donald Trump by placing his image on a new $250 bill, despite legal obstacles that prohibit living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency.
At a Glance
- Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) has proposed creating a new $250 bill featuring Donald Trump’s face
- Wilson cited “Bidenflation” as justification for higher denomination currency
- Federal law from 1866 prohibits living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency
- The proposal reflects ongoing Republican efforts to commemorate Trump’s legacy
- Trump has separately called for eliminating the penny due to production costs
Republican Lawmaker Proposes Trump Currency
Republican Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina has announced plans to draft legislation that would create a new $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump’s image. Wilson revealed the proposal in a post on social media platform X, where he connected the need for higher denomination currency to inflation under the Biden administration.
According to reports, the bill would feature a stern-looking portrait of the President, who remains highly popular among Republican voters. Wilson, who has represented South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District since 2001, framed the proposal as both an economic necessity and a tribute to Trump’s fiscal policies during his presidency.
— Nick Flor š„+šŗšø (@ProfessorF) February 8, 2025
Legal Hurdles and Historical Precedent
The proposal faces significant legal challenges. An 1866 federal law explicitly prohibits living individuals from being depicted on American currency, a tradition that has remained intact throughout U.S. history. This restriction would require congressional action to amend before any living person, including Trump, could appear on official currency.
“‘Bidenflation’ has destroyed the economy forcing American families to carry more cash. Most valuable bill for most valuable President!” Joe Wilson said.
Wilson himself is no stranger to controversy. He gained national attention in 2009 when he shouted “You lie!” during then-President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress.
Remember that?
The outburst earned him a formal rebuke from the House but elevated his profile among conservative voters. More recently, Wilson has been vocal in condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal.
While Wilson pushes for a Trump bill, the President has his own ideas about U.S. currency. Trump has directed criticism toward the penny, calling for its elimination due to production costs that exceed its face value. Each one-cent coin reportedly costs more than two cents to produce, creating what Trump considers an unnecessary expense.
“For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!” President Donald Trump said.
What do our readers think – is it time we had a $250 note?
