Jakarta, IDN Times – The United States Department of the Treasury announced on Thursday, March 26, 2026, plans to feature President Donald Trump’s signature on US dollar banknotes. This groundbreaking decision marks Trump as the first sitting president to have his autograph emblazoned on the nation’s official currency.
Historically, US dollar bills have exclusively carried the signatures of the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer. Under this new policy, President Trump’s signature will be added, while the Treasurer’s signature will be removed—a significant shift not seen since 1861. This monumental change is reportedly linked to the upcoming 250th anniversary of US Independence Day on July 4, 2026, known as the Semiquincentennial, according to The Guardian.
1. US Government explains rationale behind new policy
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent articulated that the policy serves as a testament to the economic achievements under President Trump’s leadership and symbolizes a historic milestone for the United States. He emphasized that placing the president’s name on the dollar is a potent way to acknowledge the nation’s success and Trump’s pivotal role during this period. Echoing this sentiment, Treasurer Brandon Beach affirmed that US currency will continue to represent prosperity, strength, and the spirit of the American people under President Trump’s guidance.
The first 100-dollar banknotes bearing the signatures of Trump and Bessent are slated for printing in June, with other denominations to follow in subsequent months. Meanwhile, currency currently in circulation will retain the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and former Treasurer Lynn Malerba.
2. California Governor criticizes presidential signature policy
The policy has not been met with universal approval, drawing sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom. He voiced his disapproval via social media, directly connecting the new currency design to the economic realities faced by everyday Americans.
“Now Americans will know exactly who to blame when they pay more for groceries, gas, rent, and healthcare,” Newsom wrote, as quoted by Al Jazeera. This statement underscores a clear divergence in perspective between the administration and its opposition regarding economic policy and its public perception.
3. Trump administration links president’s name to institutions
This move to place President Trump’s signature on the dollar is part of a broader, consistent pattern within the Trump administration to associate the president’s name with various national institutions and projects. Prior initiatives have included the renaming of several entities, such as art centers and peace institutions, along with the designation of new classes of warships.
Furthermore, the US Commission of Fine Arts, chaired by Rodney Mims Cook Jr., controversially approved the minting of 24-karat gold coins featuring Trump’s image to commemorate the 250th anniversary of independence. This was made possible by exploiting a perceived loophole in federal law, a development reported by BBC. During his previous term, Trump’s name was also prominently displayed on stimulus checks distributed to millions of Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic, illustrating a clear and consistent policy of intertwining the presidential identity with national symbols.