(JUL 19, 2025, Sat. 23:07 p.m.) — There’s a good chance that Trump has thought about printing his own currency with his image on it. But it seems like there are a lot of legal barriers standing in his way, stopping this extremely self-centered behavior.
In essence, a President of the United States, or former President, cannot legally print money for themselves or with their own image on the bills.
Here’s why:
Separation of Powers: The power to “coin money” and regulate its value is vested in Congress by the U.S. Constitution.
Federal Law: Federal law prohibits living individuals from being depicted on U.S. currency. This law was put in place after a controversy involving the likeness of a living Treasury official on a 5-cent note in 1866. While there was a commemorative half dollar in 1926 featuring the then-sitting President Calvin Coolidge, this was authorized by Congress for a specific celebration.
Treasury and Federal Reserve: The actual printing of U.S. currency is carried out by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Federal Reserve orders the currency and distributes it, acting as the issuing authority, according to the U.S. Currency Education Program.
The Secretary of the Treasury has the final say on the design of the currency, but must adhere to the legal restrictions, according to Lewis Rice LLC.
No Direct Spending Authority: The President cannot legally spend money not raised through taxation or borrowing.
In essence, printing money and controlling its design are functions reserved for specific government entities and are subject to laws and regulations designed to prevent abuse of power.
However, considering everything Trump has done to influence the Republican majority in Congress, it seems that a change in the rules that would benefit him is already imminent.
In order to do so, a measure has been introduced in Congress called “The Golden Age Act”. Reportedly put forward by Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas
At the time of this story, it was not possible to confirm that a bill to create a Trump $100 was making its way through Congress.
The law in question is referred to as “The Golden Age Act,” a reference to Trump’s declaration that America is in its “golden age” following his election to the presidency.
However, given the current majority standing by the Republicans, and relentless self-serving behavior of Trump, it will not come as a surprise to see such legislation has been put forth for consideration.
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