The U.S. Treasury has announced a major overhaul of American paper money, with President Donald Trump’s signature set to appear on new bills for the first time this summer, marking an end to a 165‑year tradition. Starting with redesigned $100 notes expected to enter circulation in June, Trump will become the first sitting president to have his autograph on U.S. banknotes, as part of commemorations for the country’s 250th anniversary of independence. The move also drops the long‑standing signature of the U.S. Treasurer-a practice that has been part of federal currency since 1861-leaving only the Treasury Secretary’s signature alongside the president’s.
Treasury officials say apart from the signature change, the overall look and security features of the bills will remain largely unchanged, even as critics warn the shift breaks established norms and could politicize what has been a purely administrative aspect of money printing. The decision comes amid other high‑profile commemorative efforts tied to the semiquincentennial, including special coins and redesigned currency elements, but placing a sitting president’s signature on everyday cash is unprecedented in modern history and reflects a broader symbolic agenda by the administration. Although existing bills bearing previous signatures will continue to circulate for now, future production will carry Trump’s name, making his mark literally part of everyday transactions.
