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The United States government plans to introduce an unprecedented change in its currency: the signature of President Donald Trump will appear on the new bills that will enter circulation.
The measure, announced by the Treasury Department, would set a historic precedent by incorporating, for the first time, the signature of a sitting president on U.S. currency.
According to the agency AP, “it would be the first time that a sitting president's signature appears”, as since 1861, banknotes have only included the signatures of the Secretary of the Treasury and the Treasurer, never the head of state.
The decision, officially framed within the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States, stipulates that Trump's signature will appear alongside that of the current Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, on all newly printed bills.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing will be responsible for implementing the change.
A symbolic gesture with political significance
From the Treasury, the measure has been portrayed as a historic recognition.
Bessent stated in a statement that "there is no more powerful way to acknowledge the historical achievements of our great nation and President Donald J. Trump than with U.S. dollar bills bearing his name."
In the same vein, the treasurer Brandon Beach considered that including his signature “is not only appropriate but also well-deserved.”
However, the announcement has not gone unnoticed and is more than just a ceremonial gesture. Analysts and critics see this decision as an extension of the president's strategy to imprint his name and image across various institutions and symbols of the country.
According to reports gathered by CNN, this initiative is part of "one of the president's latest efforts to leave his mark on the entire federal government."
In recent months, the administration has promoted projects and changes that range from government platforms bearing its brand to modifications in cultural institutions.
Gradual changes in circulation
The plan includes that the first bills bearing Trump's signature will start circulating this year, possibly beginning with the $100 denominations before expanding to the rest.
The overall design of the banknotes will not change; the modification will be limited to the signature.
Currently, many circulating banknotes still bear the signature of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, so the transition will be gradual.
Coins, tributes, and legal limits
The inclusion of the presidential signature occurs alongside other symbolic projects related to the country's 250th anniversary.
Among them stands out the approval of a 24-karat gold commemorative coin depicting Trump, as well as proposals to feature his likeness on common currency.
These initiatives have raised legal questions.
U.S. legislation prohibits depicting sitting presidents or living figures on regularly circulating coins, which has sparked debates in Congress.
In fact, Democratic lawmakers have pushed for proposals to strengthen these restrictions and prevent similar precedents.
The critics have also been direct. Congresswoman Shontel Brown described the Treasury's plan as "disgusting and contrary to American values," highlighting the level of polarization that the measure has caused.
An open precedent
Beyond its official justification, the inclusion of Trump's signature on the bills introduces a significant change in the monetary tradition of the United States.
Although experts point out that the Treasury Secretary may have the authority to decide who signs the currency, this move opens a debate about the boundaries between institutional commemoration and the personalization of power.
In a country where national symbols are typically kept separate from active political figures, the decision to imprint the signature of the sitting president on everyday currency sets a precedent that is likely to continue generating controversy.
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