As many Americans seek government action to lower food and gas prices, some lawmakers are instead focusing on symbolic initiatives, such as redesigning U.S. currency.
A new proposal aims to place Donald Trump’s image on the $100 bill, a move intended to solidify his legacy but unlikely to gain bipartisan approval.
Congressman Brandon Gill, representing Texas’ 26th District, announced plans to introduce legislation to feature Trump on the $100 bill after his presidency. “Instead of enjoying retirement, President Trump is working tirelessly to secure our border, restore energy independence, and put America first,” Gill stated. He framed the proposal as a way to honor Trump’s contributions.
This initiative follows a similar push by Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina, who recently proposed a $250 bill featuring Trump intended to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. That proposal has backing from three other conservative lawmakers. However, changing U.S. currency in such a way would require legal amendments, as current law prohibits living individuals from appearing on banknotes, presenting a significant legal obstacle to these proposals.
The last major redesign of a U.S. bill occurred in 1929 when Andrew Jackson replaced Grover Cleveland on the $20 bill. The current $100 bill features Benjamin Franklin—an inventor, diplomat, and Founding Father—who, despite his prominence in American history, was never a president.
Public reactions to the proposal have been mixed:
Former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway supported the idea on social media, while critics questioned the priority of such legislation over pressing economic concerns.
Although Gill envisions the change taking effect in 2029, the bill faces an uphill battle in Congress.
