A growing swirl of speculation – together with a fair amount of political theatre – has emerged around the idea that Donald Trump’s FACE could appear on a future U.S. banknote as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of independence.

It’s a notion that blends patriotism, personality politics, and a dash of provocation, but US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, says preparations are genuinely under way to print a new $250 note featuring the current President’s image, with lawmakers to decide whether the bills will be put into circulation.

Mr Bessant confirmed that designs have been drafted and whilst artistic concepts of the bill have not been publicly released, those designs have been requested by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), a sub-agency of the Treasury, that develops and produces US currency.

The proposal requires Congressional approval, as federal law strictly prohibits the depiction of living people on US currency, although Trump allies in Congress did introduce legislation last year to create an exception which would allow current and former presidents to be featured – I wonder who they had in mind!

If it were to be approved by the House and Senate, it would break a 160-year-old precedent, marking the first time a living person has appeared on US paper money. Since the late 19th century, U.S. paper currency has featured historical figures who are no longer living, a convention intended to avoid political favouritism and ensure long-term national consensus.

Presidents such as Washington, Lincoln and Jackson appear on current notes, but always long after their deaths and were chosen precisely because their legacies had settled into broad national consensus. This rule, observed for more than a century, is designed to prevent partisan influence over national symbols.

The Treasury Department has repeatedly reaffirmed the established principle, noting that living individuals are not considered for banknote portraits. Any change would require a significant shift in long-standing policy.

Consequently, for Mr Trump’s face to appear on a U.S. banknote, several steps would be required:

• Congressional legislation authorising a departure from the “no living persons” rule
• Treasury and Federal Reserve approval of a new design
• Extensive security development, including anti-counterfeiting features
• Public consultation, which has become standard practice for major redesigns

Additionally, even if political momentum existed, experts warn that the process would almost certainly extend beyond the anniversary year.

That said, the conversation has gained traction in media commentary and among some political supporters on the eve of 4 July, who see the semi-quincentennial as an opportunity to honour a sitting president.

However, as with any discussion involving currency design and political symbolism, the idea has sparked both enthusiasm and sharp criticism and whilst unlikely, with what has occurred under Trump’s leadership can anything really be regarded that way? One thing for certain, it has become a talking point that reveals much about the current political climate.