Washington: The Trump administration has advocated for the design of a new $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump's portrait, based on information from current and former employees of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

According to Anadolu Agency, The Washington Post reported that two Treasury Department political appointees, US Treasurer Brandon Beach and senior adviser Mike Brown, have repeatedly urged bureau staff since last year to prepare prototype designs for the note. This push comes despite federal law allowing only deceased individuals to appear on US currency.

Employees who spoke to the Post under anonymity revealed that US Treasurer Brandon Beach provided the Bureau of Engraving and Printing staff with mock-up designs for the proposed $250 bill in August and September. These designs included one featuring President Trump's portrait prominently in the center of the note. British artist Iain Alexander, who is credited with creating the design, mentioned that Trump approved revisions, such as incorporating American flag colors and a logo commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US. Alexander stated, 'He likes to call me his favorite British artist.'

The report highlighted that no living person has appeared on US currency since 1866. While legislation proposing Trump's image on a commemorative $250 bill was introduced last year, it has not progressed in Congress. A Treasury spokesperson commented that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing 'is conducting appropriate planning and due diligence' on the proposal.

The director of the printing bureau, Patricia Solimene, along with other staff, had cautioned Treasury appointees about legal and procedural challenges. An employee noted, 'Currency often takes six to eight years to produce a new bill, especially one of such high value.' Solimene was removed from her position by Treasury management on April 27, as reported by The Washington Post. In a farewell email, she mentioned being reassigned to another role within the department, a decision that was 'not my choice.'

Solimene did not provide reasons for her reassignment and declined comment requests. As the bureau's first female director and a 24-year army veteran, her departure has raised eyebrows. Solimene and her staff reportedly acquiesced to another administration request to print $100 bills bearing Trump's signature. The Treasury explained: 'Based on the recommendation of US Treasurer Brandon Beach, Secretary Bessent will recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Trump by adding his signature to the currency.'

Experts have pointed out that while there is no law preventing a president's signature on currency, a proposed $250 bill with Trump's image could conflict with existing laws, including one mandating that only deceased individuals appear on US currency. Designing new currency involves coordination with the Federal Reserve, Secret Service, and private partners, experts emphasized.

Former bureau director Larry R. Felix remarked that the $100 bill alone took over a decade to develop due to its security features. Treasury officials Mike Brown and Brandon Beach did not respond to comment requests, according to the Post. An employee expressed frustration, stating, 'These guys think you can just print something overnight and it's going to work in an ATM. It's just crazy,' highlighting that secure currency production takes 'years and years and years.'