Donald Trump On US Currency? Proposal For 250 Dollar Bill Sparks Nationwide Debate

Washington: Once again a big political debate has started in America regarding President Donald Trump. This time the discussion is not about any election or foreign policy but about the proposal to print his picture on the American currency. According to reports, the Trump administration is trying to get a special 250-dollar note approved, which may have Donald Trump's picture on it. However, this will require changes in American law.

What is the 250-dollar bill proposal?

A proposal has come forward to issue a special 250-dollar commemorative note on the occasion of 250 years of America's independence. There is said to be a plan to put President Donald Trump's picture on this note. The US Treasury Department has indicated that the department is ready for this if Congress approves this proposal.

Why is law becoming the biggest obstacle?

Under a federal law in effect since 1866, the image of a living person cannot be printed on official US currency. This is the reason why Congress will have to first change this rule to issue notes with Trump's picture.

Who presented this proposal?

Republican MP Joe Wilson has introduced a bill called “Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act”. The proposal calls for issuing a new 250-dollar note and allowing a former or current president to appear on the currency while they are still alive.

Has the photograph of a living President ever been printed on a currency note before?

There has been a long-standing tradition in American history that only photographs of deceased leaders are shown on currency. Under current law, the image of a living person cannot be placed on the official dollar note. If this proposal is passed then more than 160 years old tradition will be broken.

What does the Treasury Department have to say?

US Finance Minister Scott Besant has said that the department is already preparing for possible changes. He clarified that at present the law does not allow this, but the process can move forward after getting approval from Congress.

Why is the controversy increasing regarding the proposal?

Political controversy regarding this scheme has also intensified in America. Opposition leaders say that trying to put the picture of a sitting President on the currency is inappropriate and could raise questions on the impartiality of government institutions. Whereas Trump supporters are calling it a step taken in honour of America's 250th anniversary.

Will 250-dollar note really be released?

At present this is only a proposal and it will have to be approved by both houses of Congress to become law. After this, the president's approval and the formal process of the Treasury Department will be completed. In such a situation, it is too early to say whether the $250 note with Trump's picture will actually be issued or not.