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South Carolina Congressman proposes new $250 bill and wants Trump on the front

By ljdevon // 2025-02-27

In a move that has sparked both intrigue and skepticism, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) has proposed creating a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump, calling it the “most valuable bill for the most valuable President.” The suggestion, announced on X, comes as historic inflation rates have reignited debates about the practicality of higher-denomination currency. However, the proposal also raises questions about tradition, legality, and the priorities of lawmakers in a divided political climate. Wilson’s announcement, which he described as a response to “Bidenflation,” has drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning its feasibility and others dismissing it as a political stunt. The proposal would require the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a new bill, a move that would break with longstanding U.S. traditions and legal precedents.

A controversial proposal in a time of economic uncertainty

Rep. Wilson’s post on X outlined his rationale for the $250 bill, linking it to the economic challenges faced by American families. “Bidenflation has destroyed the economy, forcing American families to carry more cash,” he wrote. “Most valuable bill for the most valuable President!” A $250 bill would make it easier to budget out cash for weekly groceries. The idea of introducing a 250 bill is not without precedent. The U.S. once circulated higher−denomination bills, including 500, 1,000, 1,000, 5,000, and even 10,000 notes. However, these were discontinued in 1969 due to lack of use and concerns about facilitating illegal activities like money laundering and drug trafficking. Today, the highest denomination in circulation is the 100 bill. Wilson’s proposal, however, goes beyond practicality. By suggesting Trump’s portrait on the bill, he challenges a century-old tradition that prohibits living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency. This tradition, rooted in the desire to avoid monarchical overtones, was codified into law in 1866.

Legal and historical hurdles

The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s website explicitly states that “a living person may not appear on” U.S. currency. This rule has been a cornerstone of American monetary policy, ensuring that currency honors historical figures rather than contemporary personalities. Historically, U.S. currency has been colloquially referred to as “dead presidents” due to its tradition of featuring deceased leaders. From George Washington on the 1billtoBenjaminFranklinonthe1billtoBenjaminFranklinonthe100 bill, the faces on American money have long been a reflection of the nation’s history, not its current political landscape. Wilson’s proposal would require not only the creation of a new denomination but also a change to existing laws. Critics argue that such a move would set a troubling precedent, potentially opening the door for future leaders to be similarly enshrined while still alive. The announcement has elicited a wide range of responses, with many questioning its seriousness. “Had to double check. This isn’t a parody account,” one user wrote on X. Another asked, “Satire??” while a third commented, “Really? I voted for Trump, but isn’t there more pressing issues at hand?” Some users pointed out the declining use of cash in an increasingly digital economy. “Who carries cash?” one user questioned, highlighting the growing preference for electronic payments over physical currency. Others raised concerns about the potential for higher-denomination bills to facilitate illegal activities. A $250 bill could make it easier for criminals to launder money or transport large sums discreetly, echoing the reasons behind the discontinuation of higher-denomination bills in the past. While Wilson’s proposal is unlikely to gain traction in the near term, it underscores the broader debate about the role of currency in a modern economy. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of the dollar, leading some to argue that higher-denomination bills are necessary to keep pace with rising prices. At the same time, the proposal reflects the enduring influence of Donald Trump on American politics. By suggesting his likeness on a new bill, Wilson is not only honoring the president but also reinforcing his status as a central figure in the Republican Party. Sources include: Breitbart.com X.com X.com

economy Republicans Trump currency big government cash money laundering tradition risk monarchy money supply inflation bubble Bidenflation finance riot U.S. currency high denomination notes