Hakeem Jeffries slams Trump admin's push for $250 bill featuring POTUS' face: 'Get over yourself'

WASHINGTON, DC: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Thursday, May 28, sharply criticized a proposal to place President Donald Trump’s face on a new $250 bill. His backlash comes after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the Department has prepared for potential legislation authorizing the currency redesign.

The proposal stems from legislation introduced by Rep Joe Wilson (R-SC), which would direct the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to produce a $250 banknote featuring Trump. Federal law currently bars living individuals from appearing on US currency, meaning congressional approval would be required before any such bill could be issued.

Hakeem Jeffries criticizes proposal as Treasury confirms planning

Jeffries publicly rejected the proposal in a post on X, writing, “Hard No on a Trump $250 bill.” He said, “Get over yourself,” adding “The upcoming July 4th anniversary is not about a wannabe King. It’s about celebrating the American journey.”

During an appearance on SiriusXM’s 'The Julie Mason Show,' Jeffries called the proposal “Monopoly money,” saying “we are going to do everything possible to make sure that this never happens. I mean, this is the most ridiculous thing in the world." 

Bessent later addressed the matter during a White House press briefing, confirming that the Treasury Department has conducted advance planning in case Congress changes existing law.

Bessent noted that current US law prohibits living individuals from appearing on American currency, but said proposed legislation seeks to change that requirement “so that a living person, Donald J Trump, could be on the $250 bill.”

Bessent also said he did not view the proposal, saying, “I don’t think that there’s anything untoward about having the president of the United States, the person who was president of the United States on the 250th anniversary bill,” he said.

Bill remains stalled in Congress as mock-ups emerge

The legislation was introduced by Rep Joe Wilson in February 2025 and referred to the House Financial Services Committee, where no further action has been taken. Wilson’s office said he has discussed the proposal multiple times with Financial Services Committee Chair French Hill and with both Bessent and Trump.

According to reports, US Treasurer Brandon Beach and adviser Mike Brown have also encouraged Bureau of Engraving and Printing staff to prepare designs for the proposed note. Mock-up images reportedly depict Trump’s portrait on the center of a green-colored $250 bill alongside Treasury signatures.

The Treasury Department also cautioned that circulating mock-ups are unofficial and said real currency designs typically take years to finalize due to anti-counterfeiting measures.

Critics, however, have argued that the proposal conflicts with longstanding federal law and presidential traditions surrounding US currency. Rep Adam Smith (D-Wash) criticized the effort, saying, “Frankly, that’s pure fascism.”