South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson has proposed introducing a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump’s image, which would mark Trump as the first living president on US currency. This proposal, linked to criticisms of inflation during President Biden’s administration, comes amidst ongoing economic concerns. Although inflation peaked at 9.1% in mid-2022 and has since decreased to 3% in 2025, rising consumer prices remain an issue. Wilson’s announcement, made on X, received mixed reactions, with some in favor and others calling it a waste of resources. If passed, the $250 bill would become the highest-denomination currency in the US.
Washington:
Congressman Joe Wilson from South Carolina has put forth an intriguing proposal – the creation of a $250 bill that would feature President Donald Trump’s portrait. If this initiative gains approval, it would mark Trump as the first living president or former president to be depicted on U.S. currency.
This proposal comes in light of what Wilson terms “Bidenflation,” a phrase used by critics to highlight the significant inflation experienced during the tenure of former President Joe Biden. Inflation rates reached a peak of 9.1% in mid-2022, the highest seen since the early 1980s. Detractors claim that Biden’s policies, which include increased government spending and economic stimulus, have been a catalyst for this inflationary surge.
Excited to share that I am working on legislation to instruct the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to create a $250 bill featuring Donald J. Trump. Bidenflation has hurt the economy, pushing American families to keep more cash. The most valuable bill for the most valuable President! pic.twitter.com/v4glGOB2z3
— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) February 25, 2025
Even with inflation having dropped to 3% in 2025, it continues to be a significant issue, especially in light of Trump’s recent decision to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. A report from the Labor Department revealed that consumer prices recorded their greatest increase in nearly 18 months in January, leading to higher costs for Americans across a broad range of goods and services.
Wilson has garnered interest for his proposal, expressing on X, “Excited to share that I am working on legislation to instruct the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to create a $250 bill featuring Donald J. Trump. Bidenflation has hurt the economy, pushing American families to keep more cash. The most valuable bill for the most valuable President!”
If this bill is passed, it would stand as the highest denomination of legal tender in the United States. However, it has yet to be formally introduced in Congress, and there is no specific timeline for its debut.
One user on X remarked, “Don’t waste money on staff to draft this. It’s a waste of time & resources,” while another commented, “Can you imagine having the best president and a FELON on a $250 bill… Having a pocket full of those would be the biggest flex…”
On a more supportive note, some users expressed enthusiasm for the proposal, saying, “It looks great, way more useful than a $100 for larger transactions. Let’s gooo.”
It’s important to mention that Trump has pledged to completely eradicate inflation during his campaign. Nonetheless, given the existing economic landscape and the introduction of tariffs, it remains uncertain how his presidency will tackle the inflation issue.